Reticulon-4 receptor-like 2 (RTN4RL2)

Reticulon-4 receptor-like 2 (RTN4RL2) is a cell surface receptor with leucine-rich repeats and GPI anchoring, structurally related to the Nogo receptor family[2][8]. Its best characterized function is the inhibition of neurite outgrowth mediated by the myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), thereby playing a potentially redundant role with other family members such as RTN4R and RTN4RL1[3][7]. RTN4RL2 is expressed in neural tissues, including inner and outer hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons of the cochlea, where it is critical for normal development of auditory afferent synapses[2]. Knockout studies demonstrate effects on synaptic ribbon size, calcium channel activation properties, and hearing thresholds, suggesting an essential function in synaptic organization and transsynaptic signaling[2]. Outside the auditory system, RTN4RL2 has roles in neuronal development and limiting regeneration after injury. Its definitive endogenous ligand is MAG, though it may interact with other extracellular matrix proteins. No drugs are currently approved or in clinical development targeting RTN4RL2 directly, and the safety profile of such interventions is yet to be established[8].

Other names

Nogo receptor-like 3Nogo-66 receptor homolog 1Nogo-66 receptor-related protein 2NgR2NGRH1Ngrl3reticulon 4 receptor like 2reticulon 4 receptor-like 2

No approved drugs; in principle, antagonists would be expected to block receptor-mediated neurite inhibition, potentially promoting regeneration or synaptic plasticity