Astrotactin 1 (ASTN-1) is an integral membrane perforin-like protein known to play a critical role in neurodevelopment. The protein is responsible for the formation of neuron–glial fiber contacts in the cerebellum where it plays an important role in neuronal migration^1,2.

Astrotactin 1 is also expressed in post-mitotic neuronal precursors of the cerebellum, hippocampus, cerebrum and olfactory bulb. The protein demonstrates an active role in the establishment of laminar structures¹.

Astrotactin 1 structure reveals a large extracellular C-terminal domain that is complemented by an N-terminal cytosolic domain separated by two transmembrane α-helices¹.

Studies have found that genetic variations associated with Astrotactin 1 are connected to various neurodevelopmental disorders and other neurological pathologies including Alzheimer's disease¹. In addition, ASTN1 null mice exhibit slow migration rates of cerebellar granule cells, smaller cerebellar size and reduced glial neuron binding² and poorer balance and coordination than wild-type¹. Conversely, increased levels of Astrotactin 1 are detected in rat brain following hippocampal injury, linking the protein to repair processes.