NRGN
Description
The NRGN (neurogranin) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 11.
Neurogranin is a calmodulin-binding protein primarily expressed in the brain, especially in dendritic spines, and plays a role in the protein kinase C signaling pathway. It has also been found in aortic endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes. Neurogranin is the main postsynaptic protein responsible for regulating calmodulin availability, binding to it when calcium is absent. Protein kinase C phosphorylation reduces its binding capacity. NRGN gene expression is regulated by thyroid hormones. Human neurogranin consists of 78 amino acids. Research suggests a potential link between the neurogranin gene and increased schizophrenia risk in males. Additionally, studies have shown reduced neurogranin immunoreactivity in the brains of individuals with schizophrenia. Neurogranin concentration in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a potential marker for synaptic dysfunction in age-related neurodegeneration and is specifically elevated in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The ratio of CSF neurogranin trunc P75 and beta-secretase BACE1 is proposed as a potential marker for cognitive decline in the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
NRGN is also known as RC3, hng.
Associated Diseases
- schizophrenia
- bipolar disorder
- anorexia nervosa
- substance abuse
- 7q11.23 microduplication syndrome
- microangiopathy and leukoencephalopathy, pontine, autosomal dominant
- isolated asymptomatic elevation of creatine phosphokinase
- pentosuria
