Background of the antigen
Neurexophilin family (Neurexophilin-1-4) of neuropeptide-like glycoproteins that are proteolytically processed after synthesis. Neurexophilin-1-3 are secreted proteins that are thought to function as signaling molecules which specifically bind to target proteins, such as neurexin I?(a protein that promotes adhesion between dendrites and axons), and are essential for proper neurotransmitter release. While Neurexophilin-1 is located primarily in spleen tissue, Neurexophilin-2 is expressed primarily in kidney and both Neurexophilin-2 and Neurexophilin-3 are highly expressed in brain. Defects in the gene encoding Neurexophilin-1 may be associated with schizophrenia, a mental disorder characterized by an abnormal perception of reality.
