Target intelligence / Profile preview

Glypican-5 (GPC5)

Target: GPC5
Molecular classification: Heparan sulfate proteoglycan, Cell surface proteoglycan, Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein, Other (member of glypican family)

Overview

Glypican-5 (GPC5) is a cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan belonging to the glypican family, characterized by a protein core attached to the membrane via a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor and decorated with variable heparan sulfate chains. It acts as a co-receptor or modulator for growth factor signaling pathways—including Sonic Hedgehog and Wnt/β-catenin—by promoting ligand-receptor interactions that regulate cell proliferation, morphogenesis, and neural development. Genetic and epigenetic changes in the GPC5 gene are implicated in diverse human diseases, especially as a tumor suppressor in cancer and as an immune regulatory factor in multiple sclerosis and neurodevelopmental disorders. GPC5 exhibits tissue-specific expression and functional versatility, serving as both a diagnostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target in several pathological contexts.

Other names: Glypican 5Secreted glypican-5GPC5glypican proteoglycan 5glypican-5bA93M14.1

Mechanism of action

Mechanisms are not established for specific drugs but may include modulation or inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and Sonic Hedgehog pathway through restoration or alteration of GPC5 function

Biological functions

Developmental regulationControl of cell divisionGrowth regulationNeural precursor proliferationModulation of growth factor signaling (e.g., Sonic Hedgehog, Wnt/β-catenin)Immune regulationCell motility

Disease associations

Cancer (e.g., lung adenocarcinoma, prostate cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, glioma, oral squamous cell carcinoma)Neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., neural tube defects, 13q syndromes)Multiple sclerosisOther inflammatory demyelinating diseases

Safety considerations

No drug-specific safety concerns identifiedVariants and dysregulation implicated in developmental defects and cancer progression

Biomarkers

GPC5 expression (tumor suppressor biomarker in lung cancer, prostate cancer, glioma)GPC5 genetic variants (risk marker for multiple sclerosis, lung cancer susceptibility)

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