Recombinant Human NLGN4X protein

Neuroligin-4 X-linked (NLGN4X) is a member of the neuroligin family of cell adhesion proteins predominantly expressed in the central nervous system. It plays a critical role in synaptogenesis, neurotransmission, and neural circuit formation by mediating interactions between neurons through binding to presynaptic neurexins. The NLGN4X gene is located on the X chromosome, and mutations in this gene have been strongly associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability. Notably, NLGN4X is one of the few autism-linked genes with a high male prevalence due to its X-linked inheritance pattern.

Recombinant NLGN4X protein is engineered to study its structural and functional properties in vitro or in cellular models. It typically includes the extracellular domain responsible for neurexin binding, produced using expression systems like mammalian cells (e.g., HEK293) or insect cells to ensure proper post-translational modifications, such as glycosylation. Purification methods often involve affinity tags (e.g., Fc or His-tags) for isolation and characterization. Researchers utilize this protein to investigate synaptic adhesion mechanisms, screen therapeutic compounds targeting neurodevelopmental disorders, or analyze the functional consequences of disease-associated mutations. Its application extends to structural studies (e.g., crystallography) to resolve interaction interfaces with neurexins or other synaptic partners. Despite advancements, challenges remain in fully recapitulating the native protein's complexity, particularly in mimicking its membrane-associated context and multivalent interactions. Ongoing studies aim to clarify how NLGN4X variants disrupt synaptic plasticity and contribute to behavioral phenotypes, offering insights into precision therapies for ASD and related conditions.