CAPZA1
Description
The CAPZA1 (capping actin protein of muscle Z-line subunit alpha 1) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 1.
CAPZA1 encodes the alpha subunit of the barbed-end actin binding protein. This protein regulates actin filament growth by capping the barbed end, preventing further assembly. It can bind to PIP2, which prevents it from binding to actin filaments.
CAPZA1, also known as CapZ alpha-1, is a capping protein that binds to the fast-growing end of actin filaments (barbed end) in a calcium-independent manner, preventing further subunit exchange. Unlike other capping proteins like gelsolin and severin, CAPZA1 does not sever actin filaments. It plays a role in epithelial cell junction formation. CAPZA1 forms the barbed end of actin filaments in the dynactin complex with CAPZB, stabilizing the dynactin structure. The dynactin complex activates dynein, a molecular motor, for long-distance transport along microtubules.
CAPZA1 is also known as CAPPA1, CAPZ, CAZ1.
