NLGN4X
NLGN4X (neuroligin 4 X-linked, also known as KIAA1260, NLGN, HLNX and NLGN4) is a neuronal cell surface protein that mediates cell-cell interactions through neurexin family members. It belongs to the neuroligin group of the type-B carboxylesterase/lipase family. Browse Assay Genie's current range of NLGN4X research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
NLGN4X is a cell surface protein involved in cell-cell interactions through its association with members of the neurexin family. Neuroligins are thought to act as splice site-specific ligands for beta-neurexins, and the family may contribute to the formation and remodelling of synapses in the central nervous system. The NLGN4X protein also interacts with discs large homolog 4 (DLG4).
The protein is a member of the type-B carboxylesterase/lipase family and belongs to a group of neuronal cell surface proteins classified by HGNC as the neuroligins. In UniProt, its subcellular locations include the cell membrane, the postsynaptic density membrane, dendrites and dendritic spines, and the synapse more broadly. Alternative splicing of the NLGN4X gene produces multiple transcript variants.
The gene was previously named neuroligin 4 and carries the aliases KIAA1260, NLGN, HLNX and NLGN4. Mutations in the NLGN4X gene have been associated with autism and Asperger syndrome, which makes it a frequent subject in studies of synaptic function and neurodevelopmental conditions. Related family members such as NLGN1 and NLGN3 are often studied alongside it when comparing neuroligin roles at the synapse.
Neuroligins are proposed to take part in the formation and remodelling of central nervous system synapses, making NLGN4X relevant to studies of synaptic development.
NLGN4X mediates cell-cell interactions with neurexin family members and may act as a splice site-specific ligand for beta-neurexins.
Mutations in NLGN4X have been associated with autism and Asperger syndrome, so the protein is studied in neurodevelopmental disorder models.
NLGN4X localises to the postsynaptic density and dendritic spines and interacts with DLG4, supporting work on postsynaptic scaffolding.
NLGN4X is a cell surface protein that mediates cell-cell interactions through neurexin family members. Neuroligins may act as splice site-specific ligands for beta-neurexins and may help form and remodel central nervous system synapses. NLGN4X also interacts with DLG4.
The HGNC name is neuroligin 4 X-linked, previously neuroligin 4. Aliases include KIAA1260, NLGN, HLNX and NLGN4. UniProt names the protein Neuroligin-4, X-linked. Alternative splicing of the gene results in multiple transcript variants.
Mutations in NLGN4X have been associated with autism and Asperger syndrome. The mouse ortholog is listed as Nlgn4l. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity before using it in a given species.
Other neuroligin family members and synaptic adhesion proteins that are studied alongside NLGN4X.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q8N0W4; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.