CBLN3

CBLN3, or cerebellin-3 precursor, is a gene in humans that encodes the secreted glycoprotein cerebellin-3, a member of the cerebellin family of small secreted synaptic organizers. Cerebellins generally contain a C1q-like domain and can assemble into hexameric complexes that function as ligands at synapses. While cerebellin-1 is the best characterized and is known to participate in signaling at cerebellar synapses, the exact role and interaction partners of cerebellin-3 are less well defined. It is considered to contribute to synapse formation and maintenance in certain neural circuits, potentially by forming part of heteromeric cerebellin assemblies with other family members.

Expression studies have detected CBLN3 transcripts in human brain tissue, with regional and developmental variation in abundance. Expression is reported in cerebellar regions as well as in other brain areas, and species differences have been noted. As with other cerebellins, CBLN3 may engage in interactions that involve presynaptic neurexins and postsynaptic partners, contributing to the specificity and stability of synapses in particular circuits. In vitro and in vivo work suggests that cerebellins can form multimeric complexes, and CBLN3 may participate in such assemblies, potentially influencing signaling and synaptic organization in a context-dependent manner.

The precise physiological functions and potential disease associations specific to CBLN3 remain less characterized compared with other cerebellins. Ongoing research continues to define its expression patterns, interaction partners, and role in synaptic development and maintenance.

See also: cerebellin family, GRID2, neurexins.