Neurexin-2 (NRXN2)

Neurexin-2 (NRXN2) is a type I transmembrane cell adhesion molecule and synaptic organizer that primarily functions in the vertebrate nervous system[3][5]. It exists as two major isoforms, alpha and beta, generated by alternative promoters and splicing; alpha-neurexins contain multiple laminin and EGF-like domains, beta-neurexins are shorter and contain fewer such domains[3][5]. Uniquely among neurexins, NRXN2 restricts excitatory synapse assembly throughout life, acting as a negative regulator of synaptic connectivity, in contrast to NRXN1 and NRXN3, which promote synapse formation[1][2]. NRXN2 is expressed in both neurons and glia[2]. Pathogenic mutations or deletions in NRXN2 are associated with autism spectrum disorder, epilepsy, intellectual disability, and schizophrenia, suggesting that its loss perturbs neural circuit maturation and function[3][5]. NRXN2 does not currently have known approved therapeutic drugs directly targeting it, but is under investigation for its crucial role in synapse organization and neurodevelopmental disorders[3][5].

Other names

Neurexin-2NRXN2KIAA0921Neurexin-2-betaNeurexin II-betaNeurexin II-alphaNeurexin-2-alphaneurexin IIneurexin-2-beta