Neuroligin 2 (NLGN2)

Neuroligin-2 is a a member of a family of neuronal cell surface proteins. Members of this family may act as splice site-specific ligands for beta-neurexins and may be involved in the formation and remodeling of central nervous system synapses.Nl2 reinforced activity-dependent inhibitory, but not excitatory, synaptic responses. In contrast, Nl1 reinforced activity-dependent excitatory, but not inhibitory, synaptic responses. Nl1 and Nl2 were not required for synapse formation. The deduced 550-amino acid protein, which is 98% identical to the 836-residue rat protein, was predicted to be involved in cell signaling and communication. RT-PCR analysis detected wide expression of NLGN2 that was particularly high in brain, lung, and ovary, followed by kidney and testis. Expression was high in all brain regions.