gC1qDC

gC1qDC stands for globular C1q-domain containing, a family of secreted proteins characterized by the globular C1q (gC1q) domain. The gC1qDC family is defined in multiple animal genomes and comprises several gene members in different species. Members typically have a signal peptide for secretion and harbor a globular C1q domain, which is homologous to the head region of the C1q component of the classical complement pathway. In some proteins, the globular domain is preceded by collagen-like sequences, reflecting the broader C1q/TNF superfamily architecture.

Functionally, gC1qDC proteins are implicated in immune recognition and modulation and may participate in cell adhesion, inflammation, and host–pathogen interactions. However, the precise roles of many family members are not well established and appear to be context- and species-specific. In vertebrates, some gC1q-domain-containing proteins resemble other C1q/TNF family members that participate in signaling processes beyond classic complement activation, including aspects of adipose tissue biology for ones related to adiponectin-like proteins.

Evolutionarily, gC1qDC genes show lineage- and species-specific expansion, with diversification in several lineages. Genomic and proteomic studies annotate these proteins in public databases with varying nomenclature; the term “gC1qDC” is used to denote the globular C1q-domain-containing gene family in those organisms.

Overall, research continues to clarify ligand binding, interaction partners, and the physiological roles of individual gC1qDC members, which appear to contribute to innate immunity and extracellular signaling across a broad range of animals.