a-SMA (N-Term) Rabbit Monoclonal Antibody

?-Smooth muscle actin (?-SMA) is a cytoskeletal protein encoded by ACTA2 in humans and a component of the smooth muscle cell (SMC) contractile unit.{58079} It is expressed in the cytosol of SMCs throughout the vascular system where it polymerizes to form the thin filaments of the SMC contractile unit. ?-SMA is also expressed in pericytes and myofibroblasts.{58082} Acta2 expression is upregulated in, and positively correlates with enhanced migration and contraction of, hepatic stellate cells, which are precursors to myofibroblasts, in a rat model of carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury. Missense mutations in ACTA2 cause approximately 14% of inherited ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections (TAAD) via induction of defective SMC contraction, aortic medial degeneration, and SMC hyperplasia or disarray.{58080} Mutations in ACTA2 are also positively correlated with a predisposition for various additional vascular diseases including premature coronary artery disease, stroke, and Moyamoya disease.{58081} Cayman’s ?-SMA (N-term) Rabbit Monoclonal Antibody can be used for immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot (WB) applications.