Annexin XI is a term used in molecular biology research to denote a protein involved in regulating intracellular Ca²⁺ levels. Its spelling - əˈnɛksɪn, eks-aɪ-eleven - is reflective of the phonemic sounds of the word. Annexin is articulated with a schwa sound followed by the syllabic k-s sound, while XI is the Roman numeral for 11. As such, its IPA phonetic transcription underscores how the orthographic representation of Annexin XI is consistent with its pronunciation, thereby facilitating comprehension and communication among researchers.
Annexin XI, also known as Annexin 11, is a protein that belongs to the annexin family. It is encoded by the ANXA11 gene and is found in various organisms, including humans. Annexin XI is primarily involved in calcium-dependent membrane binding and cross-linking, as well as in cytoskeletal organization.
At the molecular level, Annexin XI consists of four main domains: an N-terminal domain, a core domain, a hinge region, and a C-terminal domain. The protein exhibits a unique ability to bind to both phospholipids and F-actin, which allows it to bridge between the cytoskeleton and cellular membranes, playing crucial roles in cell membrane dynamics and cellular functions.
Annexin XI has been found to be expressed in various tissues, including the brain, heart, kidney, and lung. It has been implicated in a range of biological processes, including membrane repair, exocytosis, endocytosis, and tissue regeneration. Additionally, Annexin XI has been associated with certain diseases and conditions, such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Overall, Annexin XI plays a vital role in cellular processes involving calcium signaling, membrane fusion, and organization of cytoskeletal components. Its multifunctional nature and widespread expression make it an important molecule to study in order to better understand the fundamental processes of cell biology and potential therapeutic targets in various diseases.
The word "Annexin XI" does not have an etymology on its own because it is a specific scientific term referring to a protein. However, the word "annexin" has its roots in Latin. "Annex" comes from the Latin word "annexare", which means to attach or to annex. The suffix "-in" is often used in biology to indicate a protein, so "annexin" refers to a protein that is involved in the attachment or binding of molecules. The "XI" in "Annexin XI" likely denotes the number or the specific subtype of the protein.