UNC5A
Description
The UNC5A (unc-5 netrin receptor A) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 5.
UNC5A, encoded by the UNC5A gene in humans, is a netrin receptor. This protein family is believed to mediate the repulsive effect of netrin-1 on specific axons. For further information on UNC5 proteins, refer to UNC5C. UNC5A has been shown to interact with MAGED1.
UNC5A is a receptor for netrin, essential for guiding axons during development. It functions within the netrin signaling pathway, promoting the growth of neurites in response to NTN1. UNC5A mediates repulsion of neuronal growth cones, preventing them from growing towards netrin in the developing nervous system. This repulsion may be triggered by UNC5A's association with DCC, leading to signaling pathways that push the growth cone away from the netrin source. Additionally, UNC5A acts as a dependence receptor. When not bound to netrin, it initiates programmed cell death (apoptosis).
UNC5A is also known as UNC5H1.
Associated Diseases
- ovarian cancer
- low grade glioma
- thyroid gland adenocarcinoma
- esophageal cancer
- cancer
- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies
- hereditary spastic paraplegia 25
- autosomal recessive primary microcephaly
- craniofacial conodysplasia
- diastematomyelia
- urinary bladder carcinoma
