Actin is an abundant cytoskeletal protein found in all cells (True, 1990). The protein’s 42 kD peptide chain assumes two physical forms: globular actin, which may serve as a cytoplasmic storage pool, and fibrous actin, which, in conjunction with myosin, generates muscle contraction (True, 1990). In non-muscle cells, actin appears to be involved in a variety of functions, such as cell motility, exocytosis, and phagocytosis (True, 1990). Distribution of the six known isoforms of actin – four muscle actins (alpha-skeletal, alpha-vascular smooth, alpha-cardiac, and gamma-enteric smooth) and two cytoplasmic actins (alpha and gamma) is tissue specific (Otey, 1986; Lessard, 1988). Research focus area: Cell Structure

Key Application:
-ELISA
-Immunocytochemistry
-Immunofluorescence
-Immunohistochemistry
-Immunohistochemistry (Paraffin)
-Western Blotting