The NLGN1 gene encodes a member of a family of neuronal cell surface proteins. Neuroligins act as ligands for β-neurexins, cell adhesion proteins located presynaptically. Neuroligin and β-neurexin "shake hands," resulting in the connection between the two neurons and the production of a synapse. Neuroligin 1 may be involved in the formation and remodeling of central nervous system synapses¹.

Proteins of this family may also mediate signaling by recruiting and stabilizing key synaptic components. This is done by interacting with other postsynaptic proteins to localize neurotransmitter receptors and channels in the postsynaptic density as the cell matures¹.

Mutations in the neuroligin genes are implicated in autism and other cognitive disorders².

Neuroligins have been found to play a role in angiogenesis, specifically in human pheripheral tissues³.

Neuroligins bind with the help of Ca²⁺ to the α-neurexin LNS (laminin, neurexin and sex hormone-binding globulin-like folding units) domains and to the β-neurexin LNS domain which then establishes a heterophilic trans-synaptic recognition code⁴. This binding results in a heterotetramer made up of a neuroligin-1 dimer and two neurexin-1 β monomers⁵.