CASPR4 Activators

CASPR4, or Contactin Associated Protein-Like 4, is a protein encoded by the CNTNAP4 gene in humans. It belongs to the neurexin family, a group of neural proteins involved in cell adhesion and communication at synapses, the junctions where nerve cells connect.CASPR4 is a transmembrane protein, meaning it spans the membrane of neurons, allowing it to participate in cellular interactions and signaling processes. One of its roles is to influence the formation and functioning of synapses, thereby affecting neural communication.The protein is predominantly found in the brain, with significant expression in the cerebral cortex, a region associated with cognitive functions such as memory, attention, consciousness, and language. It's also present in other regions involved in motor function and sensory information processing.

Despite its evident importance, the precise function of CASPR4 is not fully understood. However, studies indicate that it might play a crucial role in neurodevelopment and synaptic plasticity, the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, which is vital for learning and memory.Notably, alterations in the CNTNAP4 gene encoding CASPR4 have been associated with several neurological and psychiatric disorders. For instance, variations in this gene have been linked to autism spectrum disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).