This week we turn the spotlight to the protein α-actinin-3. Encoded by ACTN3, sometimes dubbed the speed gene, α -actinin-3 is primarily expressed in type 2 "fast-twitch" skeletal muscle fibers. It cross-links and stabilizes actin thin filaments at the Z-line separating each muscle unit and is fundamental for producing the quick and powerful muscle contractions needed for activities like sprinting, jumping, and weightlifting (North, 1999)...Read more

Among the about 20,000 genes in the human proteome there are still many rather unknown but potentially interesting proteins that could deserve some extra attention. Here we will focus on SBK2, a gene specifically expressed in the heart...Read more

A publication in Science presents the largest-ever dataset of neural connections, providing a glimpse into the brain's complexity. This seemingly tiny volume of one cubic millimeter contains the impressive number of 57.000 cells, 150 million synapses, and 230 millimeter blood vessels...Read more

The glandular expression pattern of salivary gland-specific protein carbonic anhydrase 6 (gene: CA6) is highlighted by multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC/IF)...Read more

On May 13th the Human Cell Atlas will host a webinar focusing on the reproduction network in which HPA researcher Cecilia Lindskog will give a talk titled "A high-resolution spatio-temporal protein atlas of the human reproductive system"...Read more