Neuroligin 3

A postsynaptic cell adhesion molecule localized to postsynaptic densities of excitatory synapses

General Information

Neuroligins form a family of postsynaptic cell surface molecules that interact with β-neurexins. They are 110-120 kDa polypeptides with homology to acetylcholine esterase. Neuroligin 1 and neuroligin 3 are specifically localized to post-synaptic densities of excitatory synapses whereas neuroligin 2 is found exclusively on inhibitory synapses.
Mutations in neuroligin 3 and 4 have been implicated with a rare, heritable form of autism.