Neuronal pentraxin-2 (NPTX2)

Neuronal pentraxin-2 (NPTX2) is a secreted glycoprotein of the long pentraxin family, encoded by the NPTX2 gene on human chromosome 7q22.1[2][4]. It is also known as neuronal pentraxin II, NP2, NARP, and apexin, and is related structurally to C-reactive protein[1][2]. NPTX2 is predominantly expressed in the brain and other tissues including pancreas, testis, prostate, colon, adrenal, and endocrine glands[2][4]. Functionally, NPTX2 plays a critical role in synaptic function: it clusters and stabilizes AMPA-type glutamate receptors (GluA1, GluA2, GluA3, GluA4) at excitatory synapses, facilitates excitatory synapse formation, and supports neuroplasticity[1][2][3][5]. The protein operates in a calcium-dependent manner and can form multimeric complexes, acting in both pre- and post-synaptic signaling[2][3]. Upregulation of NPTX2 has been linked to Parkinson disease pathology and is considered a potential biomarker for synaptic dysfunction in various neurodegenerative conditions[1][5]. No approved drugs currently target NPTX2, but its central role in excitatory neurotransmission and neurodegeneration makes it a subject of interest for future biomarker development and therapeutic intervention[2][3][5].

Other names

Neuronal pentraxin IINP2NP-IIapexinNARPneuronal activity-regulated pentraxinp50NPII

Not standardly targeted by drugs, but hypothesized mechanisms (targeted by future therapies): modulation of synaptic AMPA receptor localization/aggregation