Annexin VII, also known as Annexin A7 or Synexin, is a protein that belongs to the annexin family. It is encoded by the ANXA7 gene located on chromosome 10q22-q23 in humans. Annexin VII is widely expressed in various tissues and cell types, including the brain, heart, kidney, and liver.
Annexin VII functions as a Ca2+-dependent phospholipid-binding protein and plays a crucial role in a range of cellular processes. It acts as an intracellular regulator of membrane trafficking, membrane organization, and signal transduction pathways. Annexin VII has been shown to interact with phospholipids in a Ca2+-dependent manner, facilitating the assembly of membrane complexes involved in endocytosis and exocytosis.
Furthermore, Annexin VII has been implicated in the regulation of apoptosis (programmed cell death), cell proliferation, and membrane repair mechanisms. It is involved in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and membrane integrity under various stress conditions. Annexin VII may also act as a tumor suppressor, as its expression levels are frequently reduced or lost in certain cancers.
Studies have demonstrated that Annexin VII participates in several physiological processes, including cellular differentiation, development, and synaptic function in the brain. Dysregulation or mutations in the ANXA7 gene have been associated with various pathological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, and cancer. The intricate functions and associations of Annexin VII make it a subject of ongoing research to elucidate its mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications.
