Annexin A3 (ANXA3), also known as Annexin III or Lipocortin III (LPC3), is a member of the Annexin family of proteins. These proteins are characterized by their ability to bind to phospholipids in a calcium-dependent manner. Annexin A3 is a 37 kDa protein that plays a crucial role in various cellular processes, including membrane trafficking, signal transduction, and inflammation .
Annexin A3 consists of a unique N-terminal domain followed by a homologous C-terminal core domain. The C-terminal domain contains four annexin repeats, each comprising 60-70 amino acids. These repeats form a tightly packed disc known as the annexin domain, which is responsible for the protein’s phospholipid-binding properties .
The recombinant form of Annexin A3 is typically produced in E. coli and is available with a C-terminal 6-His tag for purification purposes. The protein is lyophilized from a 0.2 μm filtered solution in PBS and can be reconstituted at a concentration of 250 μg/mL .
Annexin A3 is involved in several biological processes:
Annexin A3 has been studied for its potential therapeutic applications. For instance, its role in pathogen clearance makes it a candidate for treating infections and sepsis. Additionally, alterations in Annexin A3 expression have been linked to various diseases, including cancer and autoimmune disorders .