Actin is a highly conserved protein which participates in a wide variety of cellular functions in eucaryotes including muscle contraction, amoeboid movement, cytokinesis, and mitotic division. Humans have six actin isotypes; two striated muscle types or sarcomeric (alpha-skeletal and alpha-cardiac), two smooth muscle types and two cytoskeletal forms (beta and gamma-types). Each isotypes is coded by a separate gene and is expressed in a developmentally regulated and tissue-specific manner. The alpha actins are found in muscle tissues and are a major constituent of the contractile apparatus. The beta and gamma actins coexist in most cell types as components of the cytoskeleton and as mediators of internal cell motility. The smooth muscle alpha-actin is expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells and fibroblast cells. Its expression is regulated by hormones, cell proliferation and repressed by pathological conditions like oncogenic transformation and artherosclerosis. It maps to 10q23.3 region of human chromosome. Northern blot analysis revealed that human smooth muscle cells express only a single 1.4 kilobase smooth muscle alpha actin transcript.
Applications:
Suitable for use in Western Blot. Other applications not tested.
Recommended Dilution:
Western Blot: 0.3-1ug/ml
Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher.
Positive Control:
Human Duodenum lysate
Storage and Stability:
May be stored at 4 degrees C for short-term only. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20 degrees C. Aliquots are stable for at least 12 months. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap.