Neurocan core protein (NCAN)

Neurocan core protein (NCAN) is a major extracellular matrix lectican/chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan predominantly found in the nervous system. It comprises a protein core and chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycan chains. Neurocan is a key regulator of neuronal growth, axon guidance, and inhibition of axonal regeneration following neural injury. Its expression is upregulated in the context of injury and implicated in suppressing neural differentiation, maintaining undifferentiated states, and inhibiting regeneration via interaction with protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor sigma (PTPRσ). High NCAN expression is associated with unfavorable outcomes in neuroblastoma and implicated in psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and ADHD through gene variants. Neurocan interacts with other extracellular matrix components, including glypican-1, syndecan-3, and FGF2. Its role as a therapeutic target is supported primarily in the context of neuroblastoma and neural repair.

Other names

NeurocanCSPG3NEURChondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 3neurocan proteoglycanNCANneurocan core proteinchondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 3 (neurocan)

Inhibition of axon regeneration via activation of protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor sigma (PTPRσ); Promotion of undifferentiated phenotype and malignant transformation of neuroblastoma cells; Sequestration of HSPG co-receptors from FGFR1, suppressing cell differentiation