CNTNAP4
Description
The CNTNAP4 (contactin associated protein family member 4) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 16.
Contactin-associated protein-like 4 is a protein encoded by the CNTNAP4 gene in humans. It belongs to the neurexin family, which are known for their functions as cell adhesion molecules and receptors in the vertebrate nervous system. Similar to other neurexin proteins, CNTNAP4 contains epidermal growth factor repeats and laminin G domains. It also includes an F5/8 type C domain, discoidin/neuropilin- and fibrinogen-like domains, and thrombospondin N-terminal-like domains. Alternative splicing leads to two different transcript variants that encode distinct isoforms.
CNTNAP4 is a presynaptic protein that plays a crucial role in both dopaminergic and GABAergic synaptic transmission. It contributes to the structural development of inhibitory interneuron synapses. CNTNAP4 regulates dopamine release by attenuating it through a presynaptic mechanism, and it also participates in the GABAergic system.
CNTNAP4 is also known as CASPR4.
