Human Contactin 1 (CNTN1) Protein

Background

Contactin 1 (CNTN1) is a neuronal cell adhesion molecule belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily, playing a crucial role in nervous system development and maintenance. CNTN1 is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein predominantly expressed in neurons, where it mediates axon guidance, neuronal migration, and synaptic formation. It interacts with other cell surface receptors such as the Notch and amyloid precursor protein (APP) signaling pathways, influencing neuronal differentiation and axon pathfinding. CNTN1 is also involved in the formation and stabilization of paranodal junctions in myelinated nerves by binding to Caspr and neurofascin, ensuring proper saltatory conduction. Dysregulation of CNTN1 has been implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and intellectual disabilities, as well as in autoimmune neuropathies like chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). It has also been linked to cancer metastasis, with elevated levels associated with poor prognosis in certain tumors. Its extracellular immunoglobulin-like and fibronectin type III domains mediate homophilic and heterophilic interactions, making it an essential player in neuronal connectivity and signaling.