Protocadherin alpha-C2 (PCDHAC2)

Protocadherin alpha-C2 (PCDHAC2) is a member of the protocadherin alpha gene cluster, located on chromosome 5. It is a potential calcium-dependent cell adhesion protein integral to plasma membranes, predominantly expressed in neurons. Its structure comprises N-terminal exons encoding six cadherin ectodomains and C-terminal exons encoding the cytoplasmic domain shared across the cluster. PCDHAC2 plays a critical role in neural cell-cell adhesion, influencing the formation and maintenance of specific neuronal connections and axonal projections in the brain, particularly serotonergic axons. Mutations or dysregulation of PCDHAC2 are associated with abnormal neuronal circuit assembly and have been linked to autism spectrum disorder and altered serotonergic projections, which may correlate with depression-like phenotypes in animal models. It is not currently considered a direct therapeutic target or receptor in pharmacology, and no interacting drugs, validated biomarkers, or known safety concerns are reported in available databases.

Other names

Protocadherin alpha subfamily C, 2PCDHAC2PCDH-alpha-C2PCDH-ALPHA-C2protocadherin alpha-C2