PCDH11X
Encyclopedia
Protocadherin 11 X-linked, also known as PCDH11X, is a protein
which in humans is encoded by the PCDH11X gene
.
gene family, a subfamily of the cadherin
superfamily. The encoded protein consists of an extracellular domain containing 7 cadherin repeats, a transmembrane domain and a cytoplasmic tail that differs from those of the classical cadherins. The gene is located in a major X/Y block of homology and its Y homolog (PCDHY
), despite divergence leading to coding region changes, is the most closely related cadherin family member. The protein is thought to play a fundamental role in cell-cell recognition essential for the segmental development and function of the central nervous system
. Transcripts arising from alternative splicing encode isoforms with variable cytoplasmic domains.
Protein
Proteins are biochemical compounds consisting of one or more polypeptides typically folded into a globular or fibrous form, facilitating a biological function. A polypeptide is a single linear polymer chain of amino acids bonded together by peptide bonds between the carboxyl and amino groups of...
which in humans is encoded by the PCDH11X gene
Gene
A gene is a molecular unit of heredity of a living organism. It is a name given to some stretches of DNA and RNA that code for a type of protein or for an RNA chain that has a function in the organism. Living beings depend on genes, as they specify all proteins and functional RNA chains...
.
Function
This gene belongs to the protocadherinProtocadherin
Protocadherins were discovered by Shintaro Suzuki's group, when they used PCR to find new members of the cadherin family. The PCR fragments that corresponded to Protocadherins were found in vertebrate and invertebrate species...
gene family, a subfamily of the cadherin
Cadherin
Cadherins are a class of type-1 transmembrane proteins. They play important roles in cell adhesion, ensuring that cells within tissues are bound together. They are dependent on calcium ions to function, hence their name.The cadherin superfamily includes cadherins, protocadherins, desmogleins, and...
superfamily. The encoded protein consists of an extracellular domain containing 7 cadherin repeats, a transmembrane domain and a cytoplasmic tail that differs from those of the classical cadherins. The gene is located in a major X/Y block of homology and its Y homolog (PCDHY
PCDHY
PCDH11Y is a gene unique to human males which competes for the title of the "language gene." PCDH11Y is the gene for making Protocadherin 11Y, a protein that guides the development of nerve cells...
), despite divergence leading to coding region changes, is the most closely related cadherin family member. The protein is thought to play a fundamental role in cell-cell recognition essential for the segmental development and function of the central nervous system
Central nervous system
The central nervous system is the part of the nervous system that integrates the information that it receives from, and coordinates the activity of, all parts of the bodies of bilaterian animals—that is, all multicellular animals except sponges and radially symmetric animals such as jellyfish...
. Transcripts arising from alternative splicing encode isoforms with variable cytoplasmic domains.