Actin Like Protein 6A (ACTL6A)

ACTL6A encodes a family member of actin-related proteins (ARPs), The 429-amino acid BAF53 protein shares extensive amino acid homology with actin and the yeast actin-related proteins Act2 and Act3. In addition, sequences encoding BAF53 homologs were identified in yeast and C. elegans. Two of 3 amino acids (asp11, gln137, and asp154 in actin) involved in tight calcium binding are conserved (asp17 and asp171 in BAF53).

In contrast with the overall homology to actin, the ATP-binding pocket in actin is poorly conserved in BAF53, suggesting that BAF53 may not have ATP-binding activity. A comparison of the sequences of actin family members revealed that BAF53 is most related to Arp3, which is involved in Listeria motility.