Biological Importance of Annexins

Annexins (ANX) are a family of calcium-dependent membrane-binding proteins. They are distributed widely in eukaryotes, but yeasts and prokaryotes do not contain these proteins. ANX are cytosolic proteins, which have pools of a soluble form and a form stably or reversibly linked to the parts of the proteins or cytoskeleton that facilitate interactions among the extracellular matrix and the cell. They interact with a number of cell-membrane elements, involved in growth regulation, organization of cell structure, as well as intracellular signaling done by ion fluxes and enzyme modulation. Furthermore, they can also function as a typical calcium channel. The functions of these proteins are now being translated from biomedical research into the clinical practice. This book explores all the important aspects of annexin biology in the present day scenario. The various advancements in the research on their biological importance are glanced at and their applications as well as ramifications are looked at in detail. The book will serve as a valuable source of reference for graduate and postgraduate students.