MS4A6A
Membrane spanning 4-domains A6A
Also known as: MS4A6A, MS4A6
Biology & Mechanism
MS4A6A is co-expressed with MS4A4A in microglia and is part of the MS4A gene cluster associated with Alzheimer's disease risk. MS4A6A expression changes in disease-associated microglial states. The MS4A cluster variants collectively influence sTREM2 CSF levels, suggesting coordinated roles in TREM2 processing on the microglial surface.
Open Questions
- —What is the distinct versus redundant function of MS4A6A compared to MS4A4A?
- —How does MS4A6A expression change across microglial states in human brain?
- —Are MS4A6A variants independently associated with neurodegeneration risk, or only through linkage with MS4A4A?
Sources
- The MS4A gene cluster is a key modulator of soluble TREM2 and Alzheimer's disease risk (2020)
Last reviewed: June 1, 2026