Neogenin

Neogenin is a cell surface receptor encoded by the NEOGENIN gene in humans (also referred to as NEO1). It is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell adhesion molecules and is related to the DCC family of netrin receptors. Neogenin functions primarily as a receptor for netrin-1 and participates in various guidance and morphogenetic processes during development, including axon pathfinding, neuronal migration, and tissue organization. In addition to developmental roles, Neogenin is expressed in certain adult tissues and is considered relevant to tissue remodeling and repair in some contexts.

Structure and interactions are characteristic of Transmembrane receptors with an extracellular region containing immunoglobulin-like domains, a single transmembrane helix, and a cytoplasmic tail that participates in intracellular signaling. Neogenin can form functional complexes with other netrin receptors, notably DCC (the Deleted in Colorectal Cancer receptor), to transduce netrin-1–dependent signals. Its signaling modality can influence whether netrin-1 acts as an attractant or a cue that modulates cell adhesion and growth cone behavior.

Ligands and signaling pathways: netrin-1 is a primary ligand for Neogenin, mediating attractive or repulsive cues in axon guidance depending on the cellular context and receptor composition. Repulsive guidance molecules, such as RGMa, can also interact with Neogenin, contributing to growth cone collapse and guidance outcomes. Through these interactions, Neogenin influences neuronal polarity, dendritic development, and cell-cell adhesion events that shape tissue patterning.

Clinical and research relevance: Neogenin is studied for its roles in neural development and its contribution to the broader netrin signaling network. Alterations in netrin signaling components, including Neogenin, are examined for potential involvement in neurodevelopmental disorders and in processes that regulate cell migration and tissue morphogenesis.