Sidekick cell adhesion molecule 2 (SDK2)

Sidekick cell adhesion molecule 2 (SDK2) is a single-pass transmembrane protein of the immunoglobulin superfamily, consisting of a signal sequence, six immunoglobulin-like (Ig) domains, thirteen fibronectin type III (FNIII) domains, a transmembrane region, and a short cytoplasmic tail terminated by a PDZ-binding motif[1][2][3]. SDK2 mediates homophilic cell-cell adhesion critical for the formation of specific synaptic connections in the vertebrate retina by ensuring that neurons innervate correct target layers, thereby contributing to visual circuit assembly. SDK2 does not act as a classical “receptor” for small molecules or drugs; instead, its function is to guide and stabilize cell-cell contacts primarily during neural development[1][3]. No approved therapeutic drugs, clinical trials, or direct disease associations have been documented for SDK2, though it may be relevant in developmental neurobiology and potentially in future studies of disorders with synaptic miswiring[3].

Other names

Protein sidekick-2SDK2KIAA1514FLJ10832sidekick homolog 2