Protocadherin alpha-11 (PCDHA11)

Protocadherin alpha-11 (PCDHA11) is a neural cadherin-like cell adhesion protein and a member of the protocadherin alpha gene cluster, which contains 15 related genes organized similarly to immune receptor gene clusters[1][3][5][6]. The protein is an integral plasma membrane protein, predicted to function as a calcium-dependent cell adhesion molecule, and is thought to play a critical role in the establishment and maintenance of specific neuron-neuron connections in the brain, thereby contributing to neural circuit assembly[1][5][6]. Mutations or copy number variations in the PCDHA11 gene may be involved in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder[1]. The molecular mechanism is based on its extracellular cadherin domains mediating homophilic (isoform-specific) interactions, which are required for neuronal recognition and circuit assembly[6]. The intracellular domain can participate in signaling pathways, including Wnt, WAVE, and apoptotic pathways, relevant to brain development and potentially cancer biology[4]. No direct therapeutic drugs or clinical biomarkers are established for this molecule.

Other names

Protocadherin alpha-11PCDHA11CNRS7PCDH-alpha-11CNR7CRNR7CNRN7PCDH-ALPHA11KIAA0345-like 3ortholog of mouse CNR7