Protocadherin-1 (PCDH1)

Protocadherin-1 (PCDH1) is a membrane protein encoded by the PCDH1 gene, characterized by an extracellular region with seven cadherin-like domains (EC1-EC7), a transmembrane domain, and a C-terminal cytoplasmic region containing highly conserved motifs (CM1–CM3) typical of non-clustered δ1 protocadherins. Its main molecular function is calcium-dependent cell adhesion, achieved through homophilic interactions that promote cell aggregation at boundaries, with crucial roles in morphogenesis, neural development, airway epithelial integrity, and skin keratinocyte contact. PCDH1 is implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma (especially in airway epithelium), as an essential entry receptor for New World hantavirus, and in neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, as well as some cancers due to its context-dependent regulation of cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. The structure of PCDH1 shows unique molecular insertions distinguishing it from other protocadherins, with a key adhesive interface formed by antiparallel overlap of the EC1 to EC4 repeats. Alternative splicing of the PCDH1 gene contributes to its diversity in tissue expression and possibly function. If structured information on drugs, mechanisms, biomarkers, or safety arises in future research, these fields should be updated accordingly.

Other names

Protocadherin-1PCDH1PC42protocadherin-42Cadherin-like protein 1PCDH42cadherin-like 1cadherin-like protein 1