Protocadherin beta-16 (PCDHB16)

Protocadherin beta-16 is a neural cadherin-like cell adhesion protein encoded by the PCDHB16 gene, which is part of the protocadherin beta gene cluster located on chromosome 5. The protein contains six extracellular cadherin domains and is believed to be a potential calcium-dependent cell-adhesion molecule. Although its precise functions remain to be fully elucidated, it is highly expressed in the brain and likely involved in the establishment and maintenance of specific neuronal cell-cell connections. Mutations or altered expression of PCDHB16 have been noted in the context of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder. Unlike classical cadherins, protocadherin beta family members like PCDHB16 are encoded by a single large exon and do not share common 3’ exons. They are considered integral plasma membrane proteins with critical roles in neural connectivity but are not recognized therapeutic drug targets at this time[1][2][3][5][6][12].

Other names

Protocadherin beta-16PCDHB16KIAA1621PCDH3XPCDH-beta-16PCDHB8aPCDH-BETA16ME1Protocadherin-3Xcadherin ME1protocadherin-3xPCDHbeta 16protocadherin beta 8a