Neuronal Adhesion Molecule Antibody Explorer Kit

Neuroligins (NLGNs) are family of postsynaptic cell adhesion molecules that play an important role in synaptic development and function¹. Four genes encode for the different members of the neuroligin family in mammals: NLGN 1-4, which are differentially enriched in postsynaptic specializations of synapses². Neuroligin 2 (NLGN2) is expressed in neurons in the brain and also in pancreatic β cells where it facilitates insulin secretion³.

Neurexins (NRXNs) are a family of transmembrane, synaptic adhesion molecules. NRXNS were identified as receptors for α-latrotoxin, a presynaptic toxin that triggers massive neurotransmitter release⁴. Neurexins are largely presynaptic proteins that form a trans-synaptic cell-adhesion complex with postsynaptic neuroligins⁵. They are encoded by three genes (NRXN1, NRXN2 and NRXN3).

Nectins, which were originally identified as virus receptors, are members of the cell-cell adhesion molecule (CAM) family. They are Ca²⁺-independent immunoglobulin-like CAMs. The nectin family comprises four members, nectin-1, nectin-2, nectin-3 and nectin-4, which are encoded by the PVRL1, PVRL2, PVRL3 and PVRL4 genes, respectively⁶.  In the central nervous system, these cell adhesion molecules aggregate in formations, termed puncta adherentia junctions, which are mechanical adhesive sites that connect pre- and postsynaptic membranes⁷.