Neuroligins (NLGNs) are family of postsynaptic cell adhesion molecules that play an important role in synaptic development and function1. Four genes encode for the different members of the neuroligin family in mammals: NLGN 1-4, which are differentially enriched in postsynaptic specializations of synapses2. Neuroligin 2 (NLGN2) is expressed in neurons in the brain and also in pancreatic β cells where it facilitates insulin secretion3.
Synaptic maturation is promoted by the binding of Neuroligin 2 with presynaptic Neurexins, and these interactions are restricted to particular combinations of isoforms of the binding partners3. NLGN2 plays a role in synapse function and synaptic signal transmission, especially via γ-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABA(A) receptors). NLGN2 modulates signaling by inhibitory synapses, and thereby plays a role in controlling the ratio of signaling by excitatory and inhibitory synapses and information processing4.
Recent studied identified a loss-of-function mutation of NLGN2 in schizophrenia patients, suggesting an indispensable role of NLGN2 in regulating GABAergic functions5.
