Expression and functions of annexins in the kidney.
This review article summarizes current knowledge about the locations and possible functions of annexin family members in the kidney. Beginning with an introduction on common structural and biochemical features as well as general functional characteristics of annexins, the paper focuses on individual members with documented and/or proposed physiological relevance for renal development, structure, and functions. Three main aspects of annexin function in kidney epithelia emerge from the available experimental data. First, annexins are required for membrane organization and membrane transport events required for the establishment/maintenance of epithelial polarity. Second, there is accumulating evidence of an association of annexins with ion channels, as membrane-guiding auxiliary proteins or modulators of channel activity. Last but not least, some annexins seem to work as extracellular autocrine modulators of receptor function under different physiological conditions.
Markoff
Arseni
A
Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Centre for Molecular Biology of Inflammation, University of Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany. markoff@uni-muenster.de
Gerke
Volker
V
D017302:Annexins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000502:physiology*; D001665:Binding Sites / Q000502:physiology; D002118:Calcium; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000502:physiology*; D007668:Kidney / Q000196:embryology / Q000502:physiology*; D008564:Membrane Potentials
D017302:Annexins; D007473:Ion Channels; D002118:Calcium