alpha-Adducin Antibody #45891

The adducins (ADD) are cytoskeleton-associated proteins that help cap the ends of actin filaments, promote association between spectrin and actin, and participate in synapse assembly. The three closely related genes ADD1, ADD2, and ADD3 encode the α-adducin, β-adducin, and γ-adducin proteins (1). Research studies indicate that β-adducin is found at high levels in brain and hematopoietic tissues, whereas both α-adducin and γ-adducin are ubiquitously expressed (2). Adducin protein function is regulated by phosphorylation at a number of sites. Both PKA and PKC can phosphorylate α-adducin at Ser726 and β-adducin at Ser713, which inhibits calmodulin binding and adducin activity (3-5). Additionally, PKA (but not PKC) can phosphorylate β-adducin at Ser408, Ser436, and Ser481, which negatively affects spectrin-actin interactions (3). Phosphorylation of α-adducin at Thr445 and Thr480 by Rho-kinase regulates cell motility and membrane ruffling (6). Finally, CDK-1 phosphorylation of α-adducin at Ser12 and Ser355 during mitosis leads to association of α-adducin with the mitotic spindle, suggesting that α-adducin may play a role in mitotic regulation (7). Because α-adducin plays a role in regulating renal sodium reabsorption, it is not surprising that a number of studies show a relationship between ADD1 genetic polymorphisms and the development of hypertension (8-10).