Clustered and non-clustered protocadherins form antiparallel homodimers in which distinct regions of the extended interface demonstrate a division of labor between driving affinity and determining specificity.
Crystal structures of γ-protocadherin cell-cell recognition dimers reveal the determinants of clustered protocadherin homophilic specificity and cis interaction region structures alongside mutagenesis data identify the putative cis interface.
Structural and binding studies provide insight into the molecular mechanism of protocadherin-19-mediated adhesion and into the biochemical basis of neurodevelopmental disease.
A general cytoplasmic signaling mechanism for the novel functions of diverse alpha protocadherins in cortical neuron migration and actin cytoskeletal dynamics as well as dendrite morphogenesis in the brain.
Combinatorial expression patterns of δ-Pcdhs are defined within single neurons, and in vitro assays are employed to establish guiding principles used by this gene family to mediate cell adhesion.
Pcdhg determine survival of the GABAergic cortical interneuron population that is necessary to establish and maintain proper excitatory to inhibitory balance in the cerebral cortex.
Patterning of dendrites by protocadherin-dependent self-avoidance and self/non-self discrimination is required for proper function of a retinal circuit that computes the direction of motion.
Layer 4 neuronal identity is specified by Protocadherin20 positioning the neurons into layer 4 so that they receive a positional cue from thalamocortical axons.
Structures of a mouse PCDH15 and LHFPL5 complex, two proteins involved in converting sound into electrical signals, illuminate how mechanical stimuli are delivered to the membrane of inner ear hair cells.