Astrotactin-1 (ASTN1)

Astrotactin-1 (ASTN1) is a neuronal adhesion molecule essential for the glial-guided migration of young postmitotic neuroblasts during brain development, especially in the cerebellum, cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and olfactory bulb[1][2][6][7]. It is a large, multi-pass membrane glycoprotein expressed mainly in the central nervous system, where it mediates the adhesion and movement of neurons along radial glial fibers—a process critical in the formation of cortical structures[1][7]. ASTN1's function is vital for normal developmental migration patterns, with experimental data showing that anti-ASTN1 antibodies disrupt neuron-glial interactions and halt neuronal migration[1]. Downregulation of ASTN1 is linked to several diseases. In cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma, low ASTN1 correlates with advanced clinical stage and tumor progression, possibly due to interactions with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway[1]. There is emerging evidence for a role in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders; however, mutations in ASTN1 are less impactful than those in its paralog ASTN2[1][2]. There are no approved drugs that are known to directly target ASTN1. The molecule functions more as a potential biomarker or disease modulator than as a current therapeutic receptor, enzyme, or transporter target[1][2][7]. ASTN1 is highly conserved, with rare mutations, and is encoded by the gene on chromosome 1 (1q25.2)[1][6]. Its principal role in the central nervous system, along with its pathological links, underlines its biological significance but also the complexity of targeting it therapeutically.

Other names

Astrotactin-1ASTN1ASTNKIAA0289astrotactin 1