A-kinase anchoring protein 12 (AKAP12)

A-kinase anchoring protein 12 is a large, multifunctional scaffold protein that anchors protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C (PKC), phosphatases, and other signaling proteins at specific cellular compartments to regulate localized signal transduction events. It controls cell cycle progression, cytoskeletal reorganization, cell motility, and lipid metabolism (especially in the liver). AKAP12 has important roles as a tumor suppressor (loss of expression is linked to increased proliferation and metastasis in epithelial cancers) and in maintaining hepatic lipid homeostasis, with disruption predisposing to alcohol-induced steatosis and other liver injuries. It is expressed in multiple cell types including endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and hepatocytes and is modulated in response to cellular stress and disease states. Alternative splicing of the AKAP12 gene results in different isoforms.

Other names

AKAP250GravinSSeCKS

For drugs targeting AKAP12 (investigational): restoration or inhibition of AKAP12 expression/activity can suppress cell proliferation, restore normal signaling, and reduce lipid accumulation and inflammatory signaling by modulating the AKAP12-PKA and AKAP12-PKC pathways.