Actin-binding cytoskeletal protein
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About α-actinin
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About α-actinin
Overview and History
α-actinin is a member of the spectrin/alpha‑actinin protein family and functions as an actin crosslinker and scaffold. Multiple isoforms (for example ACTN1–4) have distinct tissue distributions: some are enriched in skeletal and cardiac muscle while others are found in widespread non‑muscle cells.
Historically characterized for its role in sarcomere organization and cell adhesion, α-actinin also participates in signaling complexes at the cytoskeleton–membrane interface. Because it is an intracellular structural protein, immune reactivity against α-actinin most often reflects exposure of intracellular antigens following cell stress, injury, or aberrant immune recognition.
Interpreting Highs and Lows
Elevated levels of α-actinin autoantibodies may indicate immune recognition of a cytoskeletal antigen, which can correlate with patterns of immune activity involving muscle, joint, or connective tissues; elevations can also occur after tissue injury that exposes intracellular proteins. Low or undetectable α-actinin reactivity suggests no measurable immune targeting of this specific protein at the time of testing. Interpretation is most reliable when viewed alongside clinical findings and other Immune Zoomer markers, since single-marker results do not define the overall immune state.
Featured Test
α-actinin is included in the Immune Zoomer’s Joint, Muscle, and Connective Tissue domain to detect immune targeting of a core structural protein. Its measurement helps reveal whether cytoskeletal components are part of a broader immune pattern, aiding clinicians in prioritizing further evaluation and tailoring monitoring strategies.
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Mary Beth Augustine
DCN, RDN, FAND- Lead Clinical Educator
Suzanne Barker
MS, RDN, LD, CTTS, CGP- Clinical Educator
Suzette Garcia
MSc- MHNE- Clinical Educator
Brooke Mader Ganev
MS, CNS, LDN, FDN- Clinical Educator
Adair Anderson
MS, RDN, LDN- Clinical Educator
Lillie Luu Nguyen
DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator
Jason Barker
ND- Clinical Educator
Emaline Brown
ND- Clinical Educator
Dana Filatova
DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator
Jessy Dhanjal
ND- Clinical Educator
Nour Amri
MS, LDN, CNS, CKNS- Clinical Educator
