CHODL

Chondrolectin is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the CHODL is_associated_with::gene. Mouse chondrolectin is encoded by Chodl.

Structure
Chondrolectin is a type I membrane protein with a carbohydrate recognition domain characteristic of is_associated_with::C-type lectins in its is_associated_with::extracellular portion. In other proteins, this domain is involved in endocytosis of glycoproteins and exogenous sugar-bearing pathogens. This protein has been shown to localise to the perinucleus.

Function
The exact function of chondrolectin is unknown but it has been show to be a marker of fast is_associated_with::motor neurons in mice, and is involved in motor neuron development and growth in is_associated_with::zebrafish (danio rerio). Furthermore, human chondrolectin has been shown to localise to motor neurons within the is_associated_with::spinal cord.

Clinical significance
Chondrolectin is alternatively spliced in the spinal cord of mouse models of the neuromuscular disease, is_associated_with::spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which predominantly affects is_associated_with::lower motor neurons. Increased levels of chondrolectin in a zebrafish model of SMA results in significant improvements in disease-related motor neuron defects.