Nfasc Protein is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
Overview
NFASC (Neurofascin) is a neuronal cell adhesion molecule belonging to the L1 family of immunoglobulin superfamily proteins. NFASC plays critical roles in nervous system development and function, including axon guidance, synapse formation, and node of Ranvier assembly. The protein exists in multiple isoforms with distinct functions: NFASC186 (also called neurofascin-186) is primarily neuronal, while NFASC155 is expressed in glial cells. Mutations in NFASC have been associated with neurological disorders including hereditary spastic paraplegia and multiple sclerosis. [@sherman2005]
Nfasc Protein is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
Overview
NFASC (Neurofascin) is a neuronal cell adhesion molecule belonging to the L1 family of immunoglobulin superfamily proteins. NFASC plays critical roles in nervous system development and function, including axon guidance, synapse formation, and node of Ranvier assembly. The protein exists in multiple isoforms with distinct functions: NFASC186 (also called neurofascin-186) is primarily neuronal, while NFASC155 is expressed in glial cells. Mutations in NFASC have been associated with neurological disorders including hereditary spastic paraplegia and multiple sclerosis. [@sherman2005]
Molecular Characteristics
NFASC is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein with an extracellular domain containing immunoglobulin-like domains and fibronectin type III repeats. The protein mediates homophilic and heterophilic interactions with other cell adhesion molecules. [@zonta2008]
The study of Nfasc Protein has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.
Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.
External Links
[PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) - Biomedical literature
[Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative](https://adni.loni.usc.edu/) - Research data
[Allen Brain Atlas](https://brain-map.org/) - Brain gene expression data
References
[Davis JQ, et al., Ankyrin-binding proteins NF186 and NF155. J Cell Biol. 1996 (1996)](https://doi.org/10.1083/jcb.135.2.441)
[Sherman DL, et al., Neurofascins are required to establish axonal domains for saltatory conduction. Neuron. 2005 (2005)](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2005.09.014)