Annexin A6 as a cholesterol and nucleotide binding protein involved in membrane repair and in controlling membrane transport during endo- and exocytosis

Abstract

Annexins, calcium- and membrane-binding proteins, have been extensively studied at the Nencki Institute since early 1990s, in terms of their structure, potential ligands and functions in the organism, with emphasis on mineralization processes in norm and pathology. The results of recently performed studies have revealed that annexins are playing essential roles in membrane organization. In this review we characterize the largest member of the annexin family of proteins, annexin A6 (AnxA6), in respect to its cholesterol and nucleotide binding properties, as well as intracellular pH sensing and ability to change membrane permeability to ions. Furthermore, we discuss biological functions of AnxA6 such as participation in membrane lateral organization, cell membrane repair and regulation of vesicular transport.