This Annexin A2 encodes a member of the annexin family. Members of this calcium-dependent phospholipid-binding protein family play a role in the regulation of cellular growth and in signal transduction pathways. This protein functions as an autocrine factor which heightens osteoclast formation and bone resorption. The interaction between these proteins and biological membranes has led to the hypothesis that they are involved in cellular trafficking processes such as endocytosis, exocytosis and cellular adhesion. Annexin A1, alternatively referred to as lipocortin, has been implicated as a mediator of the anti-inflammatory response produced by glucocorticoids and as an inhibitor of cPLA2, a potent mediator of inflammation. Annexin A2, also called p36, exists as a monomer or as a heterotetramer, complexed with the S-100-related protein p11.
