Protocadherin Alpha 4 (PCDHa4)

PCDHA4 is 1 of 15 tandemly arranged genes within the PCDHA gene cluster on chromosome 5q31. The 15 PCDHA genes function as 'variable' exons that are individually spliced to a downstream constant region to form distinct PCDHA transcripts. These transcripts encode cadherin-like cell surface proteins that are expressed in neurons and are present at synaptic junctions.

Kohmura et al. (1998) cloned mouse Pcdha4, which they called Cnr1, as well as other Cnrs. In situ hybridization detected expression of Cnrs in several adult mouse brain regions, and individual neurons expressed several Cnrs. Immunofluorescence labeling localized Cnr1 at synaptic junctional complexes in the neocortex of 3-week old mice.