NPTX2

Neuronal Pentraxin 2 (NPTX2), also named neuronal activity-regulated pentraxin, is a secreted glycoprotein characterized by a cyclic multimeric structure. In vivo, NTPX2 exerts various neurological effects by combining with the transmembrane protein neuronal pen traxin receptor (NPTXR). NPTX2 was thought to play a vital role in transmitting neurotrans mitters and maintaining synaptic plasticity. It also plays a role in clustering of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)-type glutamate receptors at established synapses, resulting in non-apoptotic cell death of dopaminergic nerve cells. Up-regulation of this gene in Parkinson disease (PD) tissues suggests that the protein may be involved in the pathology of PD.