NLGN4Y
NLNG4Y: A Gene with a Role in the Development of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Description:
NLNG4Y is a gene located on the Y chromosome that encodes a protein called neuroligin-4Y. Neuroligins are a family of postsynaptic adhesion proteins that play a crucial role in the formation and maturation of synapses, the points of communication between neurons in the brain. NLNG4Y is specifically expressed in the postsynaptic membranes of excitatory neurons in the forebrain and is involved in the development and function of neural circuits that underlie higher-order cognitive functions.
Associated Diseases:
Mutations in the NLNG4Y gene have been linked to several neurodevelopmental disorders, including:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD): NLNG4Y mutations have been found in approximately 1% of individuals with ASD, particularly in those with intellectual disability.
- Schizophrenia: Studies suggest that NLNG4Y mutations may increase the risk of developing schizophrenia, a severe mental illness characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking.
- Intellectual disability: Mutations in NLNG4Y can lead to intellectual disability, a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual and adaptive functioning.
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Some research indicates that NLNG4Y variations may be associated with ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulty paying attention and controlling impulsive behaviors.
Did you Know ?
According to a study published in the journal "Molecular Psychiatry," mutations in the NLNG4Y gene account for approximately 0.5% of all cases of ASD in males. This suggests that NLNG4Y is one of the most commonly mutated genes in ASD.
