PCDH12
Description
The PCDH12 (protocadherin 12) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 5.
Protocadherin-12 is a protein encoded by the PCDH12 gene in humans. It belongs to the protocadherin gene family, a subfamily of the cadherin superfamily. This protein contains six cadherin repeats in its extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic tail that differs from classical cadherins. The PCDH12 gene is located on chromosome 5 in the region where the protocadherin gene clusters reside. While its exon organization is similar to the gene cluster transcripts, notably the first large exon, there is no significant sequence homology. The function of this cellular adhesion protein is unknown, but mouse protocadherin 12 does not bind catenins and appears to have no effect on cell migration or growth.
Protocadherin-12, also known as Vascular cadherin-2 or Vascular endothelial cadherin-2, is a cell adhesion molecule that likely plays a significant role in cell-cell interactions at interendothelial junctions. It acts as a regulator of cell migration, potentially by increasing cell-cell adhesion. Protocadherin-12 promotes homotypic calcium-dependent aggregation and adhesion, clustering at intercellular junctions. However, it does not bind to catenins and has a weak association with the cytoskeleton.
PCDH12 is also known as DMJDS1, VE-cadherin-2, VECAD2.
