Protocadherin beta-4 (PCDHB4)

Protocadherin beta-4 is one of a family of neural cell adhesion molecules integral to the plasma membrane, structurally distinguished by six extracellular cadherin domains and a unique cytoplasmic tail relative to other cadherins[1][3]. It is part of a gene cluster with unusual genomic organization similar to immune receptor clusters, and encodes proteins expressed in neurons[1]. Protocadherin beta-4 likely plays a critical role in specifying differential cell-cell neural connections via homophilic interactions (binding between identical molecules), facilitating neuronal self-recognition and circuit formation[4]. Although specific functions and disease associations are still under investigation, mutations and variants have been linked to certain neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and Seckel syndrome[3]. No drugs or clinical biomarkers currently target this molecule, and it is not used in direct therapeutic applications, but it remains important for neuroscience research on neural connectivity and development[3][4].

Other names

PCDHB4Protocadherin beta 4PCDB4_HUMAN