Anion exchangers (AE) are membranes proteins involved in the regulation of intracellular pH, cell volume regulation as well as in transepithelial acid/base transport.
AE proteins are sodium-independent exchangers that mediates one-for-one exchange of extracellular Cl- for intracellular HCO3- ions resulting in intracellular acidification.
AE proteins are encoded by a family of at least three related genes (AE1, AE2, and AE3).
Numerous alternatively spliced isoforms of each AE gene are expressed in various tissues.
AE proteins are exemplified by a large N-terminal cytoplasmic domain (~40-75kD) that provides binding sites for cytoskeleton protein, glycolytic enzymes and hemoglobin.
The N-terminal cytoplasmic domains of AE2 are AE3 are more closely related than AE1.
In fact, AE1 N-terminus is 300aa shorter than both the AE2 and AE3.
The C-terminal TM domain (~55kD) is highly conserved (~70% identity) among various AE, spans the lipid bilayer 12-14 times, and is able to mediate anion exchange by itself.
Applications:Suitable for use in ELISA.
Western Blot, though not tested, may potentially be used as an application.