Unc-5 Homolog C (UNC5C)

UNC5C belongs to the UNC-5 family of netrin receptors. Netrins are secreted proteins that direct axon extension and cell migration during neural development. They are bifunctional proteins that act as attractants for some cell types and as repellents for others, and these opposite actions are thought to be mediated by two classes of receptors. The UNC-5 family of receptors mediate the repellent response to netrin; they are transmembrane proteins containing 2 immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains and 2 type I thrombospondin motifs in the extracellular region.The predicted 931-amino acid human protein has the overall domain structure of UNC5 family proteins, and is 97% identical to Unc5h3. Northern blot analysis revealed that the 9.5-kb UNC5 mRNA is expressed in brain and heart, and at low levels in kidney.