Jonathan Edwards
Senior Member (Voting Rights)
A quick look on AI.
The
NEGR1 (Neuronal Growth Regulator 1) gene, located on chromosome 1p31.1, encodes a GPI-anchored cell adhesion molecule critical for brain development, synaptic organization, and neuronal connectivity. Strongly associated with obesity, depression, and neurodevelopmental disorders, NEGR1 regulates energy balance and synaptic plasticity. Studies suggest it plays a role in cognitive, emotional, and social behaviors.
Key Aspects of the NEGR1 Gene:
The
NEGR1 (Neuronal Growth Regulator 1) gene, located on chromosome 1p31.1, encodes a GPI-anchored cell adhesion molecule critical for brain development, synaptic organization, and neuronal connectivity. Strongly associated with obesity, depression, and neurodevelopmental disorders, NEGR1 regulates energy balance and synaptic plasticity. Studies suggest it plays a role in cognitive, emotional, and social behaviors.
Key Aspects of the NEGR1 Gene:
- Function: As part of the IgLON family (including LSAMP, OPCML, NTRA, IGON5), NEGR1 acts as a cell adhesion molecule in the nervous system. It is involved in regulating synapse assembly, cholesterol homeostasis, and axon growth.
- Disease Associations:
- Obesity: Multiple GWAS studies consistently link NEGR1 variants with body mass index (BMI).
- Neuropsychiatric/Developmental: NEGR1 deletions or dysfunction are linked to intellectual disability, developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), dyslexia, anxiety, and depression.
- Neurobiology: Deficiency in mice leads to altered dopamine/serotonin systems, reduced locomotor activity, and impaired social behavior.
- Mechanism: It works as a trans-neural growth-promoting factor and is involved in modulating synaptic plasticity, particularly in corticolimbic circuits.
- Expression: Predominantly expressed in the brain, including the hypothalamus, cortex, and hippocampus.
