Protocadherin beta-8 (PCDHB8)

Protocadherin beta-8 (PCDHB8) is a member of the protocadherin beta gene cluster within the cadherin superfamily of cell-adhesion molecules[1][7]. It is an integral plasma membrane protein with six extracellular cadherin domains and a unique cytoplasmic tail[1][7]. PCDHB8 participates in calcium-dependent homophilic (same-protein) cell-cell interactions, which are thought to regulate neuronal self-recognition and the formation of specific neuronal circuits in the developing brain[1][6][7]. While PCDHB8's detailed functional role is not well characterized, it is implicated in the establishment and maintenance of neural connections rather than being a direct mediator of signal transduction or a known therapeutic target[1][6][7]. There are no known small-molecule or biological therapeutics modulating PCDHB8, nor is it used as a clinical biomarker. Variants have been associated with certain rare developmental disorders, but causality and clinical significance are not established[1].

Other names

Protocadherin-3IPCDH3IPCDH-beta-8PCDH-BETA8