Anti-Alpha-II Spectrin / α-Fod

​Alpha-II spectrin (αII-spectrin) is a vital cytoskeletal protein encoded by the SPTAN1 gene. It is widely expressed across various tissues, including neurons and cardiac muscle. In neurons, αII-spectrin contributes to the formation of the axon initial segment (AIS), which is crucial for maintaining neuronal polarity and excitability. It also plays a role in dendritic and axonal growth, synapse formation, and the establishment of inhibitory neural circuits. In cardiac muscle, αII-spectrin localizes to structures such as Z-discs, costameres, and the sarcolemma, indicating its role in maintaining cardiac cell integrity. Mutations in the SPTAN1 gene can lead to severe neurodevelopmental disorders, including early infantile epileptic encephalopathy type 5 (EIEE5), characterized by seizures and brain malformations. Additionally, breakdown products of αII-spectrin serve as biomarkers for neuronal injury, as they are released during processes like apoptosis and necrosis.