Ankyrin: Structure, properties, and functions

Recent data on characteristics of the structure, functions, and main proper ties of ankyrins (proteins that are linkers between the spectrin-based cyto skeleton and integral membrane proteins) are summarized. The interactions o f ankyrins with band-3 protein, P-type ATPases, ion channels, receptors, an d protein kinase C are considered. The structure of ankyrin repeats that ar e often contained in other proteins (which are not classified with the anky rin family) and ensure protein-protein interactions as well as interactions between proteins and nucleic acids is described in details. The mechanisms of regulation of the ability of ankyrins to interact with other proteins ( alternative splicing and post-translational modification, including phospho rylation) are also considered.