annexin


annexin

A generic term for a large (160 +) family of calcium- and phospholipid-binding proteins and phospholipase A2- and blood coagulation inhibitors, which interact with acidic membrane phospholipids in cell membranes.

annexin

One of a family of over 20 proteins first described in 1990, that include vascular anticoagulant proteins, placental proteins, placental anticoagulant proteins, lipocortins and endonexins. Annexins have similar structures, usually with four domains of 70 amino acids, and all are capable of binding calcium and phospholipids. They are present in a wide variety of cell types. Annexin II acts to bind plasminogen and TISSUE PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR to the endothelial cell surface. Annexin V forms an antithrombotic shield around procoagulant phospholipids.