Annexin

About ANXA / Annexin:

Annexin is a family of proteins that are associated with intracellular membranes. This family of proteins was first discovered in 1977 and since this time the family of annexin has continued to grow. These proteins are all members of a broad family and this knowledge first came from protein sequence comparisons as well as cross-reactivity with certain antibodies.

Annexin Structure
Annexin proteins consist of 65 different species and when a new member of the family is classified it has to meet a certain criteria. To be called a member of the Annexin family - a protein must bind negatively to cheaper phospholipids in a calcium dependent manner. They must also contain 70 amino acids in a repeat sequence known as the annexin repeat.
Annexins are common in humans and they are found commonly inside our cells. There are however some cases where the annexin proteins have been found extracellular such as in our blood - and this is the case for Annexin A1, Annexin A2, and Annexin A5 The reason for these extracellular occurrences is unknown.

ANXA Function
Another common name for Annexin is lipocortin - and these proteins suppress phospholipase A2. The function of this protein is to cleave fatty acids and create free fatty acids in the cells.
An important function of annexin-1 is in the reduction of inflammation in the body. The gene which codes for annexin-1 is a mechanism by which cortisol and other glucocorticoids inhibit inflammation in the body. This is an important function and one which humans as well as other living things need.