Leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 37A (LRRC37A)

Leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 37A (LRRC37A) is a member of a gene family expanded in primates and located on human chromosome 17q21.31. The protein is a predicted 1700 amino acid, ~188 kDa, single-pass transmembrane protein with extracellular leucine-rich repeat motifs, identified to localize at the Golgi, plasma membrane, and in cell-surface vesicles[1]. Overexpression experiments indicate a role in membrane dynamics, including the induction of filopodia-like protrusions and cell morphological changes, although the physiological significance is unclear[1]. Functional data and expression analyses suggest LRRC37A is implicated in cellular migration, chemotaxis, and inflammatory pathways, predominantly in astrocytes[4][5]. Copy number variation and altered expression of LRRC37A and its paralogs correlate with risk and protective haplotypes for Parkinson’s disease and with increased disease risk in progressive supranuclear palsy, as well as differential expression in psychiatric disorders such as PTSD and MDD[4][5]. The exact molecular and biological roles of LRRC37A remain incompletely characterized, with no current evidence for druggability or direct disease targeting[1][4][5].

Other names

LRRC37ALRRC37LRRC37A1KIAA0563leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 37A