protein
Neuroligin-3
Gene
NLGN3
Organism
Homo sapiens(9606)
Length
848 aa
Mass
93,895 Da
Neuroligin-3 (NLGN3) is a cell surface protein encoded on the X chromosome that mediates cell-cell interactions primarily through binding to neurexin family members (UniProt: Q9NZ94). The protein functions in synapse formation and synaptic signal transmission by clustering other synaptic proteins at the synapse, though it is not strictly required for initial synapse development. It may also contribute to glia-neuron and glia-glia interactions during peripheral nervous system development.
NLGN3 is expressed in neuronal tissues where it plays a critical role in synaptic function. The protein is associated with autism spectrum disorder and related neurodevelopmental phenotypes through its role in synaptic organization and intercellular communication.
NLGN3 is classified as a Category 2 (strong candidate) gene for autism spectrum disorder and is implicated in X-linked autism (AUTSX1) (SFARI Cat 2; sfari:syndromic). Mutations in NLGN3 have been linked to autism with associated intellectual disability and communication impairments, highlighting its importance in the genetic architecture of autism spectrum disorders.
Generated from the curated entity record below. May contain errors — verify against source links.
Genetic Evidence · ASD
Strong candidate — functional studies support ASD association
Source: SFARI Gene database · gene.sfari.org
Related Publications
Browse all →Inherited and De Novo Genetic Risk for Autism Impacts Shared Networks.
Ruzzo Elizabeth K et al.Cell2019PMID 31398340Inherited and multiple de novo mutations in autism/developmental delay risk genes suggest a multifactorial model.
Guo Hui et al.Molecular autism2018PMID 30564305Whole genome sequencing resource identifies 18 new candidate genes for autism spectrum disorder.
C Yuen Ryan K et al.Nature neuroscience2017PMID 28263302Identification of common genetic risk variants for autism spectrum disorder.
Grove Jakob et al.Nature genetics2019PMID 30804558Synaptic, transcriptional and chromatin genes disrupted in autism.
De Rubeis Silvia et al.Nature2014PMID 25363760
Function
Cell surface protein involved in cell-cell-interactions via its interactions with neurexin family members. Plays a role in synapse function and synaptic signal transmission, and may mediate its effects by clustering other synaptic proteins. May promote the initial formation of synapses, but is not essential for this. May also play a role in glia-glia or glia-neuron interactions in the developing peripheral nervous system (By similarity)
Disease associations
Autism, X-linked 1AUTSX1
A complex multifactorial, pervasive developmental disorder characterized by impairments in reciprocal social interaction and communication, restricted and stereotyped patterns of interests and activities, and the presence of developmental abnormalities by 3 years of age. Most individuals with autism also manifest moderate intellectual disability.
Sources
Last updated 5/6/2026, 5:24:01 AM