ACTA2

Alpha-actin-2 also known as actin, aortic smooth muscle or alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA, SMactin, alpha-SM-actin, ASMA) is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the ACTA2 is_associated_with::gene located on 10q22-q24.

Actin alpha 2, the human aortic smooth muscle actin gene, is one of six different is_associated_with::actin isoforms which have been identified. Actins are highly conserved proteins that are involved in is_associated_with::cell motility, structure and integrity. Alpha actins are a major constituent of the contractile apparatus.

Alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) is commonly used as a marker of is_associated_with::myofibroblast formation (Nagamoto et al., 2000).