Protocadherin alpha-10 (PCDHA10)

Protocadherin alpha-10 (PCDHA10) is a member of the protocadherin alpha gene cluster, itself one of three closely related clusters (alpha, beta, gamma) that encode neural cadherin-like cell adhesion proteins[1][5]. These are type I transmembrane proteins in the cadherin superfamily, primarily expressed in the central nervous system, where they mediate calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion and are crucial for the establishment and maintenance of specific neuronal connections[1][5]. The alpha cluster’s organization is unusual and shares similarity to antigen-receptor gene clusters; it comprises 15 genes with variable N-terminal exons encoding extracellular cadherin domains, followed by shared C-terminal exons for the cytoplasmic domains[1][3]. While individual PCDH-alpha family members, including PCDHA10, are less well-characterized than the cluster as a whole, these proteins are believed to be vital for neuronal circuit assembly, neuronal survival, and possibly synaptic specificity[2][4]. The function is context-dependent and may relate to processes such as neuronal survival, cell proliferation, and apoptosis, with disease linkages in cancer (notably prostate cancer) and potentially neurodevelopmental disorders[1][4]. There are currently no specific drugs or biomarkers known to be associated directly with PCDHA10. No unique safety concerns or therapeutic targeting strategies have been reported. The gene has several well-known aliases reflecting its identification in various databases or as orthologs in model organisms[1][3].

Other names

CNR8CNRS8PCDH-alpha-10CNRN8CRNR8PCDH-ALPHA10KIAA0345-like 4ortholog to mouse CNR8