Description
Product Characteristics: Neuroligins are Type I membrane proteins enriched in synaptic plasma membranes and clustered in synaptic clefts and postsynaptic densities. They have been characterized as neuronal cell surface proteins and are thought to be involved in cell-cell-interactions by forming intercellular junctions through binding to beta-neurexins. They play a major role in the formation or maintenance of synaptic junctions. They are also thought to be involved in the specification of excitatory synapses. Neuroligins interact with beta-neurexins and this interaction is involved in the formation of functional synapses.
Target Information: This gene encodes a member of a family of neuronal cell surface proteins. Members of this family may act as splice site-specific ligands for beta-neurexins and may be involved in the formation and remodeling of central nervous system synapses. Mutations in this gene may be associated with autism and Asperger syndrome. Multiple transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms have been identified for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2009]