Neuroligin 4, Y-linked (NLGN4Y)

Neuroligin 4, Y-linked (NLGN4Y) is a type I membrane protein and member of the neuroligin family, which are cell adhesion molecules located at the postsynaptic side of the synapse and are important in the formation of functional synapses in the nervous system[1][3]. The protein is encoded by a gene on the Y chromosome, making it male-specific. Its X-linked paralog is NLGN4X. NLGN4Y plays a role in synaptic organization, cell-cell interactions through neurexin binding, and neural development. Rare sequence variants or haplotypes of NLGN4Y may modestly contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, particularly influencing male-specific risk[1][2]. Increases in NLGN4Y gene copy number and expression have also been linked to autism-related social deficits among boys with XYY syndrome[1]. Outside the nervous system, reduced expression of NLGN4Y has been linked to more aggressive prostate cancer, while experimental restoration of its expression suppresses cell proliferation and migration, suggesting a tumor-suppressive function[1]. NLGN4Y has also gained attention in research on male sexual orientation: elevated maternal antibodies to NLGN4Y have been associated with altered brain development related to sexual orientation in male offspring, supporting a maternal immune hypothesis[2]. No approved drugs are currently known to interact with NLGN4Y, nor is it a recognized therapeutic target in clinical practice. As a synaptic adhesion molecule, its biological functions are primarily related to neural connectivity and synaptic function rather than direct druggability[1][3].

Other names

Neuroligin-4, Y-linkedNLGN4YKIAA0951Neuroligin YHNL4Y