The annexin family of calcium-binding proteins is composed of at least ten mammalian genes and is characterized by a conserved core domain, which binds phospholipids in a Ca2+-dependent manner, and a unique amino-terminal region, which may confer binding specificity. Annexin family members have been implicated as regulators of such diverse processes as ion flux, endocytosis, exocytosis and cellular adhesion. Annexin III, also known as ANXA3, Annexin A3, Lipocortin III, PAP-III (placental anticoagulant protein III), 35-α calcimedin or ANX3, belongs to the annexin family and contains four Annexin repeats. Annexin III exhibits a variety of functions, including anti-coagulent properties, an inhibitory role towards phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and an enzymatic function, cleaving the cyclic bond of inositol 1,2-cyclic phosphate to produce inositol 1-phosphate.
