Contactin5, Contactin-5, hNB 2, HNB 2s, NB 2, Neural recognition molecule NB 2, CNTN5_HUMAN.
Changes in synaptic efficacy can mediate crucial processes during learning and memory formation. Accumulating evidence implicates cell adhesion molecules in activity-dependent synaptic modifications associated with paired-pulse facilitation (PPF), long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD). Among the cell adhesion molecules involved in these processes are the contactins. Contactins are immunoglobulin superfamily members that play a selective role in synaptic plasticity, PPF and LTD, and may regulate cell-cell interactions contributing to synaptic plasticity in conjunction with other synapse targeting molecules, including paranodin and phosphacan. In addition, contactins are essential components that control expression and distribution of Na+ channels in neurons, junctional attachment at the paranode, and ultimately the physiology of the myelinated nerve. The human Contactin 1 gene encodes a 1,018 amino acid protein. The human Contactin 3 gene encodes a 646 amino acid plasmacytoma-associated neuronal glycoprotein. The human Contactin 5 gene encodes a 1,100 amino acid neural adhesion molecule. The human Contactin 6 gene encodes a 1,028 amino acid neural adhesion molecule.
