Background
Alpha-Actinin is a cytoskeletal and adhesion protein that provides a critical link between actin filaments and integrin adhesion receptors. It exists as an antiparallel homodimer which orients the actin-binding regions at opposite ends, allowing each dimer to bind two actin filaments leading to the formation of bundles. The N-terminal regions of both polypeptides, arranged in antiparallel orientation, comprise the actin-binding regions, while the C-terminal, larger parts consist of four spectrin-like repeats that interact to form a rod-like structure. The protein plays multiple roles in different cell types, being typical calcium-sensitive in non-muscle cells and calcium insensitive in muscle cells. In nonmuscle cells, the cytoskeletal isoform is found along microfilament bundles and adherens-type junctions, where it is involved in binding actin to the membrane. However skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle alpha-actinins usually are localized to the Z-disc and analogous dense bodies, where they help anchor the myofibrillar actin filaments. The antibody described here is highly specific for alpha-skeletal muscle actinin and alpha-cardiac actinin.

Antigen
Purified rabbit skeletal alpha-actinin.

Application Notes
We suggest an incubation period of 30 minutes at room temperature. However, depending upon the fixation conditions and the staining system employed, optimal incubation should be determined by the user. Suitable for formalin/paraffin tissues. Specificity: This antibody is specific for alpha-skeletal muscle actinin and alpha-cardiac actinin. It stains Z lines and dots in stress fibers of myotubes in skeletal and cardiac muscle but not in non- sarcomeric muscle elements. This antibody shows wide range of cross reactivity with various mammalian species. Cellular Localization: Cytoplasmic.

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Reference
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