Protocadherin alpha-C1 (PCDHAC1)

Protocadherin alpha-C1 is a neural cadherin-like cell adhesion protein encoded by the human PCDHAC1 gene, part of the protocadherin alpha gene cluster on chromosome 5. This protein is an integral plasma membrane molecule believed to play a critical role in establishing and maintaining specific neuronal cell-cell connections in the brain, likely contributing to the organization of neural circuits. Structurally, it contains multiple extracellular cadherin ectodomains responsible for cell adhesion, and its function is at least partly calcium-dependent. Although primarily studied for its role in neural development, alterations in PCDHAC1 have been associated with autism spectrum disorder. There is currently no evidence that it is a target for marketed drugs or recognized as a direct therapeutic target[1][3][5][6][7][9].

Other names

Protocadherin alpha subfamily C, 1PCDH-alpha-C1PCDH-ALPHA-C1protocadherin alpha-C1PCDC1