Protocadherin-17 (PCDH17)

Protocadherin-17 (PCDH17) is a member of the protocadherin gene family, a subfamily within the cadherin superfamily of calcium-dependent cell adhesion proteins[1][5][6]. It is characterized by six extracellular cadherin domains, a single transmembrane domain, and a unique cytoplasmic tail distinct from classical cadherins[1][4][5][6]. PCDH17 is primarily expressed in the nervous system, where it contributes to the formation and function of specific neural circuits by mediating homophilic cell-cell adhesion[1][2][4][5]. In vertebrate brain development (including retina and amygdala), PCDH17 regulates neuronal differentiation, synaptic vesicle accumulation, and axonal targeting[2][4]. Functionally, PCDH17 acts as a tumor suppressor in multiple tissues, frequently inactivated by promoter hypermethylation or deletion in various cancers, which leads to increased proliferation, impaired apoptosis, and enhanced metastatic potential through disruptions in signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin[6]. There are currently no approved drugs directly targeting PCDH17, nor safety challenges specifically identified for its therapeutic modulation as it is primarily considered a marker and putative regulator rather than a druggable receptor or enzyme.

Other names

Protocadherin-68PCDH68PCH68protocadherin 68