Neuronal pentraxin receptor (NPTXR)

Neuronal pentraxin receptor (NPTXR) is a type-II transmembrane glycoprotein that belongs to the pentraxin family, with structural homology to other neuronal pentraxins such as NPTX1 and NPTX2. It is primarily expressed in brain tissue and functions as a synaptic organizer, stabilizing and clustering postsynaptic neurotransmitter receptors, especially AMPA receptors, thereby contributing to synaptic plasticity. NPTXR forms glycosylated, disulfide-linked oligomers at the synaptic membrane, and its activity is critical for synapse formation and homeostatic plasticity. Variations in NPTXR levels in cerebrospinal fluid and serum have been associated with synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease, making it a promising biomarker in neurodegenerative disease settings. The receptor may also be aberrantly expressed in some neuroendocrine tumors, such as small cell lung cancer, and participate in the neuronal uptake of specific toxins (e.g., taipoxin). No approved therapies directly target NPTXR, although its modulatory role at synapses makes it a theoretical therapeutic candidate for neurodegeneration and neuro-oncology.

Other names

NPTXRNPRneuronal pentraxin receptor

NPTXR mediates synaptic transport or clearance of exogenous molecules (e.g., taipoxin); participates in clustering and stabilization of AMPA receptors at excitatory synapses