NRXN3
Description
The NRXN3 (neurexin 3) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 14.
NRXN3 encodes Neurexin-3-alpha, a protein involved in cell adhesion and signaling in the nervous system. It belongs to the neurexin family, which are large proteins with multiple isoforms generated through alternative splicing. NRXN3, along with NRXN1, is one of the largest human genes. There are two main types of neurexin isoforms, alpha and beta. Alpha-neurexins, produced from the upstream promoter, have EGF-like sequences and laminin G domains, and interact with neurexophilins. Beta-neurexins, produced from the downstream promoter, lack EGF-like sequences and have fewer laminin G domains. NRXN3 is thought to be involved in synaptic plasticity, and variations in the NRXN3 gene have been linked to conditions like addiction and obesity.
NRXN3 encodes a protein that functions as a cell surface protein in neurons, potentially contributing to cell recognition and adhesion. It may also play a role in transmitting signals within cells.
NRXN3 is also known as C14orf60.
