Actin beta (ACTB)

Actin beta (beta-actin, ACTB) is a highly conserved, ubiquitously expressed cytoskeletal protein and one of six actin isoforms in humans. It is encoded by the ACTB gene and functions as a major component of the cytoskeleton, playing crucial roles in cell shape, mechanical stability, intracellular transport, and regulation of gene expression. Beta-actin is essential for cell motility, migration, and maintenance of cell polarity and is involved in key processes such as actin filament treadmilling and cytoskeletal dynamics. In laboratory practice, it is widely used as a reference standard or loading control in molecular biology assays due to its stable expression. Mutations in ACTB are associated with certain diseases, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and Baraitser-Winter syndrome. Beta-actin interacts with diverse actin-binding proteins and participates in numerous cellular processes, but it is not regarded as a direct pharmacological or therapeutic target.

Other names

Beta-actinCytoplasmic actin 1ACTB

Not applicable for drugs, as beta-actin is not typically a pharmacological target.