Specificity
Spectrin is an actin binding protein that is a major component of the plasma membrane skeleton. Spectrins function as membrane organizers and stabilizers by forming dimers, tetramers and higher polymers. Vertebrate spectrins have two alpha-subunits (alpha-I/alpha-II) four beta-subunits (beta-I-beta-IV) and a beta-H subunit creating diversity and specialization of function. Spectrin III is highly expressed in brain, kidney, pancreas and liver, and at lower levels in lung and placenta. Spectrin beta 3 is primarily expressed in nervous tissues with highest expression levels in the cerebellum, where it is found in Purkinje cell soma and dendrites.