NPTX1
Encyclopedia
Neuronal pentraxin-1 is a protein
that in humans is encoded by the NPTX1 gene
.
gene family. Neuronal pentraxin 1 is similar to the rat NP1 gene which encodes a binding protein for the snake venom toxin taipoxin
. Human NPTX1 mRNA is exclusively localized to the nervous system.
Protein
Proteins are biochemical compounds consisting of one or more polypeptides typically folded into a globular or fibrous form, facilitating a biological function. A polypeptide is a single linear polymer chain of amino acids bonded together by peptide bonds between the carboxyl and amino groups of...
that in humans is encoded by the NPTX1 gene
Gene
A gene is a molecular unit of heredity of a living organism. It is a name given to some stretches of DNA and RNA that code for a type of protein or for an RNA chain that has a function in the organism. Living beings depend on genes, as they specify all proteins and functional RNA chains...
.
Function
NPTX1 is a member of the neuronal pentraxinPentraxins
Pentraxins, also known as pentaxins, are an evolutionary conserved family of proteins characterised by containing a pentraxin protein domain. Proteins of the pentraxin family are involved in acute immunological responses...
gene family. Neuronal pentraxin 1 is similar to the rat NP1 gene which encodes a binding protein for the snake venom toxin taipoxin
Taipoxin
Taipoxin is an extremely potent neurotoxin developed by purifying the venom of the Australian taipan Oxyuranus microlepidotus. The toxin causes a gradual reduction to complete stop of evoked and spontaneous release of acetylcholine from motor nerve terminals. The victim dies from asphyxia caused by...
. Human NPTX1 mRNA is exclusively localized to the nervous system.