Glypican-4 (GPC4)

Glypican-4 is a cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan encoded by the GPC4 gene in humans. It is attached to the cell membrane via a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor and is part of the glypican family, which modulates signaling by growth factors involved in development, metabolism, and disease. Glypican-4 acts as a co-receptor, especially for insulin and Wnt signaling pathways, regulating cell growth, differentiation, and morphogenetic movements during embryogenesis. It is notably released from adipose tissue as a soluble factor (adipokine), with circulating levels correlated with body mass index and insulin resistance. Glypican-4 plays roles in metabolic disorders, developmental syndromes, and cancer, making it a candidate target for biomarkers and, potentially, therapeutic intervention.

Other names

GPC4K-glypicanGlypican 4

Modulation of cell surface receptor signaling (acts as a co-receptor for insulin and growth factor receptors, influencing downstream signaling cascades); Regulation of non-canonical Wnt/PCP pathways (facilitates convergent extension movements and morphogenesis)