Caskin-1 (CASKIN1)

Caskin-1 (CASKIN1) is a large multidomain neuronal scaffolding and adaptor protein, predominantly expressed in brain tissue at both presynaptic and postsynaptic sites. It contains an N-terminal ankyrin repeat region, an atypical SH3 domain, two central tandem sterile-alpha motif (SAM) domains, and a C-terminal proline-rich region. Caskin-1 is notable for its interaction with the multidomain scaffolding protein CASK, via a short, conserved peptide motif, enabling the assembly of tripartite synaptic complexes essential for synaptic adhesion and neurotransmitter release. Its SAM domains can self-assemble into helical polymers, contributing to the organization and clustering of synaptic proteins at active zones. Besides CASK, Caskin-1 interacts with proteins such as neurexins, LAR family receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases, Dock, synaptotagmin, and others, suggesting a role in synaptic structure, function, and plasticity. Altered expression of Caskin-1 has been associated experimentally with neurodevelopmental and possibly epileptic phenotypes, although it is not currently a direct therapeutic target or known to have drug interactions[1][2][3].

Other names

CASK interacting protein 1KIAA1306ANKS5Acaskin-1CASKIN1