S100A2

S100A2

S100A2 is a protein that belongs to the S100 family of calcium-binding proteins. It is encoded by the S100A2 gene, which is located on chromosome 1q21.3. S100A2 is primarily expressed in the skin, where it plays a crucial role in various cellular processes.

Structure

The S100A2 protein consists of two EF-hand calcium-binding motifs, which are characteristic of the S100 family. These motifs enable S100A2 to bind calcium ions, allowing it to undergo conformational changes and interact with other proteins. S100A2 is approximately 10 kDa in size and forms homodimers or heterodimers with other S100 family members.

Function

S100A2 is involved in several cellular processes, including cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. It has been shown to regulate the growth and differentiation of keratinocytes, the main cell type in the epidermis. Additionally, S100A2 is implicated in wound healing and the maintenance of skin integrity.

Clinical Significance

Aberrant expression of S100A2 has been observed in various types of cancer, including breast, lung, and colorectal cancer. In some cases, increased S100A2 expression is associated with tumor progression and poor prognosis. Therefore, S100A2 has been proposed as a potential biomarker for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

See Also

• S100 protein
• Calcium-binding protein
• Keratinocyte
• Cancer biomarkers

External Links

• S100A2 gene at NCBI
• S100A2 protein at UniProt