Ankyrin-2 (ANK2)

Ankyrin-2 (ANK2) is a large, modular cytoskeletal adaptor protein that links transmembrane proteins (such as ion channels and transporters) to the spectrin-actin cytoskeleton. It is ubiquitously expressed, but especially abundant in cardiac muscle and neurons. Ankyrin-2 plays a critical role in the localization and stabilization of key ion regulators including the Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase, Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger, inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor, and ryanodine receptor at specialized membrane domains in cardiomyocytes and neurons. This ensures coordinated ion handling, electrical excitability, and proper cell signaling. Loss-of-function or pathogenic mutations in ANK2 cause cardiac arrhythmias such as long QT syndrome type 4, sick sinus syndrome, and have been associated with heart failure and abnormal neuro-muscular junctions. Several isoforms exist, reflecting tissue- and context-specific roles. Disruption of ankyrin-2 compromises ion channel targeting and structural integrity of cellular compartments[1][2][3][4][5].

Other names

Ankyrin-BBrain ankyrinNon-erythroid ankyrinANKBFAP87CFAP87LQT4ankyrin 2, neuronalbrank-2

Not applicable—no known drugs directly target Ankyrin-2. Pathogenic mutations disrupt protein complexes and localization of ion channels and transporters, underlying the mechanism in certain diseases[1][2].