Protocadherin alpha-4 (PCDHA4)

Protocadherin alpha-4 is a neural cadherin-like cell adhesion protein encoded by the PCDHA4 gene, part of the protocadherin alpha gene cluster located on human chromosome 5[1][3]. It is an integral plasma membrane protein with six extracellular cadherin ectodomains and a cytoplasmic domain, and is expressed primarily in the brain. Protocadherin alpha-4 is thought to play a critical role in the establishment and function of specific cell-cell connections important for neural circuit assembly, through strict homophilic (like-with-like) recognition and adhesion among neurons[1][3][4]. These interactions are essential for neuronal self-recognition and the molecular individuality of neurons, which underlies the precision of neural wiring in the vertebrate brain[4]. Disruptions in protocadherin family members, including PCDHA4, have been associated with neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. No approved drugs or chemical probes are known to interact with this protein, and it is not a current therapeutic target in the classical sense (such as a receptor or enzyme), but its biological functions are crucial for normal brain development and maintenance.

Other names

Protocadherin alpha-4PCDHA4PCDH-alpha-4CRNR1CNRN1KIAA0345-like 10ortholog of mouse CNR1PCDH-ALPHA4