A Kinase Anchor Protein 13 (AKAP13)

AKAP13 encodes a member of the AKAP family. Alternative splicing of this gene results in at least 3 transcript variants encoding different isoforms containing a dbl oncogene homology (DH) domain and a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain. The DH domain is associated with guanine nucleotide exchange activation for the Rho/Rac family of small GTP binding proteins, resulting in the conversion of the inactive GTPase to the active form capable of transducing signals.

Akap13 was expressed in embryonic mouse forebrain, limb bud, first brachial arch, and developing heart. Newborn and adult mouse heart expressed the full-length transcript. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed strong Akap13 staining of the myocardium and colocalization of Akap13 with cytoskeletal filaments.