This gene encodes a protein that contains leucine-rich repeats (LRR) at its amino terminus and that is known to be involved in ligand binding. The carboxyl terminus may act as a membrane anchor. Identified structural elements suggest that the encoded protein resembles a receptor. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]
Forensic Context
A study in rhesus macaques investigating radiation-induced lung injury identified the LRCH4 as a top dysregulated transcript, specifically upregulated among common differentially expressed genes in irradiated lungs, highlighting its potential role as a biomarker or therapeutic target in this pathological condition [Priyanka Thakur et al. DOI:10.1016/j.ijrobp.2021.03.058]. A study in rhesus macaques demonstrated that the LRCH4 transcript was upregulated among common differentially expressed genes in irradiated lungs, identifying it as a potential biomarker for radiation-induced lung injury [Thakur et al. DOI:10.1016/j.ijrobp.2021.03.058]. In humans, a separate investigation of subcutaneous adipose tissue during long-term weight loss found that the LRCH4 gene was upregulated in weight losers over a 12-month period [Bollepalli et al. DOI:10.1038/ijo.2017.245].