Netrin receptor UNC5C (UNC5C)

Netrin receptor UNC5C is a transmembrane receptor belonging to the UNC-5 family of netrin receptors, which are critical for mediating the repellent response to netrin proteins during neural development. It features two immunoglobulin-like domains and two thrombospondin motifs in its extracellular region. UNC5C is functionally important in axon guidance by directing cell migration and axon extension, playing a major role in developing neural circuits, especially in the central nervous system. Evidence suggests that UNC5C also acts as a dependence receptor: its loss or reduced expression is associated with diminished apoptosis and increased cancer cell survival, most notably in colorectal and several other tumor types. Therefore, UNC5C may function as a tumor suppressor by inducing apoptosis in the absence of its ligand, netrin-1. UNC5C is ubiquitously expressed in the brain and possibly in other tissues, serving both developmental and cancer-regulatory functions.

Other names

UNC5H3unc-5 netrin receptor CProtein unc-5 homolog CProtein unc-5 homolog 3