Cytoskeleton Proteins

GFAP (Glial fibrillary acidic protein) is a class-III intermediate filament. It is a cell-specific marker that distinguishes astrocytes from other glial cells during the development of the central nervous system (CNS). Defects in GFAP are a cause of Alexander disease a rare disorder of the CNS described as leukoencephalopathy. GFAP is expressed in the cortex and hippocampus, and its expression decreases following acute and chronic corticosterone treatment.

Calretinin is a vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding protein which is abundant in auditory neurons. Calretinin plays a role in diverse cellular functions, including message targeting and intracellular calcium buffering. Calretinin also functions as a modulator of neuronal excitability, and is a diagnostic marker for some human diseases, including Hirschsprung disease and some cancers.

Alpha Internexin (Alpha-Inx) is a class-IV neuronal intermediate filament that is able to self-assemble. Alpha-Inx is involved in the morphogenesis of neurons. Alpha-Inx forms an independent structural network without the involvement of other neurofilaments. Levels of alpha-inx protein reach a maximum at embryonic day 16 and decline into adulthood.

KLHL1 (Kelch-like protein 1) plays a role in organizing the actin cytoskeleton of the brain cells. The transcriptional regulation of KLHL1 has been lined to spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) , a progressive, degenerative genetic disease with multiple types, each of which could be considered a disease in its own right.

CK7 (Keratin, type II cytoskeletal 7) is a member of the keratin family. It is specifically expressed in the simple epithelia lining the cavities of the internal organs and in the gland ducts and blood vessels. The type II cytokeratins consist of basic or neutral proteins which are arranged in pairs of heterotypic keratin chains coexpressed during differentiation of simple and stratified epithelial tissues. This type II cytokeratin is specifically expressed in the simple epithelia lining the cavities of the internal organs and in the gland ducts and blood vessels.