UNC5C
Description
The UNC5C (unc-5 netrin receptor C) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 4.
UNC5C is a protein encoded by the UNC5C gene in humans. It belongs to the UNC-5 family of netrin receptors, which mediate the repellent response to netrin. Netrins are secreted proteins that direct axon extension and cell migration during neural development. UNC-5 receptors are transmembrane proteins containing two immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains and two type I thrombospondin motifs in the extracellular region.
UNC5C acts as a receptor for netrin, playing a crucial role in axon guidance. Upon binding to netrin, UNC5C mediates axon repulsion of neuronal growth cones during nervous system development. The binding of netrin-1 to UNC5C can lead to the dissociation of UNC5C from polymerized TUBB3 within microtubules, promoting increased microtubule dynamics and axon repulsion. UNC5C's association with DCC (deleted in colorectal cancer) can also trigger signaling for repulsion, further contributing to axon guidance. Interestingly, UNC5C can collaborate with DSCAM (Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule) in netrin-1-mediated axon repulsion independent of DCC. Beyond its role in axon repulsion, UNC5C is involved in corticospinal tract axon guidance independently of DCC and in the projection of dorsal root ganglion axons towards the spinal cord. Moreover, in the absence of netrin, UNC5C acts as a dependence receptor, inducing apoptosis.
UNC5C is also known as UNC5H3.
