SLIT And NTRK Like Protein 1 (SLITRK1)

This intronless gene encodes a member of the SLITRK protein family. These proteins are integral membrane proteins that are characterized by two N-terminal leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domains and a C-terminal region that shares homology with trk neurotrophin receptors. SLITRK1 lacks the region of homology to neurotrophin receptors. The protein is thought to be involved in neurite outgrowth. Mutations in this gene may be associated with Tourette syndrome. The deduced protein contains 760 amino acids. RT-PCR ELISA detected high expression in adult and fetal brain and in all specific adult brain regions examined. Expression was intermediate in pancreas and lung, low in kidney, ovary, heart, and fetal liver, and nearly undetectable in skeletal muscle, spleen, testis, and adult liver.