DCTN4 is a subunit of the dynactin complex. This complex activates the molecular motor dynein, enabling ultra-processive transport along microtubules. In other words, dynactin helps dynein travel long distances along its microtubule track rather than detaching after a short run. As one of the dynactin subunits, DCTN4 contributes to this motor-activating assembly, and it is a useful target for studies of microtubule-based transport and cytoskeletal organisation.

The human DCTN4 gene encodes dynactin subunit 4, and the protein belongs to the dynactin subunit 4 family. HGNC places it in the gene group of dynactin subunits. UniProt records the protein in several cytoskeletal compartments: the cytoskeleton generally, the centrosome (a microtubule organising centre), stress fibres, the cell cortex and the sarcomere of the myofibril. The NCBI Gene summary similarly describes the gene as predicted to be involved in a microtubule-based process and located in the centrosome. Orthologous genes are named Dctn4 in both mouse and rat, so the protein can be studied in common rodent models.

The gene was formerly named dynactin 4 (p62), and the aliases Dyn4 and p62 still appear in the literature and in databases. Because older papers often refer to the protein as p62, check the full name and gene symbol when searching, as this name is also used for unrelated proteins. Research on the DCTN4 protein is usually set alongside other dynactin subunits, such as DCTN2 and DCTN5, to build a fuller picture of how the complex is assembled and how it supports dynein activity.