Neurofilament light polypeptide (NF-L (or NFL))

Neurofilament light polypeptide (NF-L, sometimes called NF68 or NEFL) is a neuron-specific intermediate filament protein and a key component of the neuronal cytoskeleton. It forms the core of neurofilament heteropolymers with other subunits (NF-M, NF-H, α-internexin, or peripherin), providing structural support for axons and contributing to the maintenance of axonal diameter and nerve conduction velocity[2][4][5][10]. NF-L is the most abundant subunit of neurofilaments and is especially concentrated in large axons. Elevated levels of NF-L are released into CSF and blood after axonal injury or neurodegeneration, making it an important biomarker for monitoring disease activity and prognosis in various neurological disorders[8]. NF-L does not serve as a classical pharmacological drug target, but its measurement is clinically valuable for assessing neuroaxonal loss.

Other names

Neurofilament protein NF-68NF68NEFLNeurofilament light chain68 kDa neurofilament proteinNeurofilament triplet L protein

Not applicable; not currently a direct therapeutic target