Recombinant Chicken Catenin Alpha-2 (CTNNA2)

Chicken Catenin Alpha-2 (CTNNA2), also known as αN-catenin, is a key protein involved in cell adhesion and cytoskeletal organization. It functions as a linker between cadherin adhesion receptors and the actin cytoskeleton, playing a crucial role in maintaining cell-cell adhesion and regulating synaptic plasticity. In chickens, CTNNA2 is highly expressed in the brain and is essential for proper neuronal development and function. It is involved in the regulation of dendritic spine morphology and synaptic density, which are critical for neural connectivity and cognitive function. Abnormal expression or mutations in CTNNA2 have been associated with various neurological disorders, including intellectual disability and epilepsy. Additionally, CTNNA2 has been implicated in psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, highlighting its importance in maintaining neural homeostasis.