Neuronal growth regulator 1 (NEGR1)

Neuronal growth regulator 1 (NEGR1) is a cell-adhesion molecule and a member of the immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion molecule (IgLON) family that is anchored to the plasma membrane via a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor[2][6][7]. NEGR1 is primarily expressed in the brain and plays essential roles in neuronal development, including the regulation of neurite outgrowth, synaptogenesis, and nervous system development[2][4][7]. NEGR1 also participates in cell-to-cell communication and adhesion in both neural and non-neural tissues[2][6]. Beyond the nervous system, NEGR1 has been implicated in metabolic regulation: it is associated with obesity, modulating cholesterol homeostasis via interaction with Niemann-Pick disease, type C2 protein (NPC2), and lipid droplet formation[1][5][7]. Furthermore, NEGR1 may influence interleukin-6 (IL-6) signaling pathways, linking neurodevelopment, inflammation, and metabolic disorders[3]. Downregulation or deficiency of NEGR1 is associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, several cancers, and neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders such as intellectual disability, schizophrenia, depression, and autism[2][3][4][5][7]. NEGR1’s functions, localization, and disease associations underscore its emerging significance as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in both metabolic and neurological diseases, though no direct pharmacological agents targeting NEGR1 are currently approved or documented[2][3][7].

Other names

IGLON4KILONNeurotractinIgLON family member 4UNQ2433/PRO4993MGC46680NtraDMML2433