ANXA2 Gene: Annexin A2 Function, Mutations, and Disease Associations

The ANXA2 gene encodes annexin A2, a calcium-dependent phospholipid-binding protein. Annexin A2 is involved in various cellular processes including exocytosis, endocytosis, membrane organization, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. It exists as a monomer or as a heterotetramer with S100A10 (p11). ANXA2 is overexpressed in many cancers and plays roles in tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis. It also functions in fibrinolysis by acting as a co-receptor for plasminogen and tissue plasminogen activator on the cell surface.

Tissue Expression

Cell Line Expression

Hotspot Mutations

Mutation functional classification

• Plasminogen activating cascade

• Fibrinolysis

• Regulation of actin cytoskeleton

• VEGF signaling pathway

• p53 signaling pathway

• Apoptosis

• Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs)

Annexin A2 is a 36 kDa protein that binds phospholipids in a calcium-dependent manner. It exists as a monomer or as a heterotetramer with S100A10. The protein contains four annexin repeats that form a conserved core domain, and an N-terminal domain that mediates interactions with other proteins. ANXA2 is localized to the plasma membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, and extracellular space. It is involved in membrane trafficking, cytoskeletal dynamics, and signal transduction. On the cell surface, ANXA2 serves as a receptor for plasminogen and tissue plasminogen activator, facilitating plasmin generation and fibrinolysis. In cancer, ANXA2 promotes tumor invasion and metastasis by enhancing proteolysis and cell migration. It is also implicated in inflammatory responses and viral entry.