NPTX2

Neuronal pentraxin-2 is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the NPTX2 is_associated_with::gene.

Function
This gene encodes a member of the family of neuronal petraxins, synaptic proteins that are related to is_associated_with::C-reactive protein. This protein is involved in excitatory synapse formation. It also plays a role in clustering of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (is_associated_with::AMPA)-type glutamate receptors at established synapses, resulting in non-apoptotic cell death of dopaminergic nerve cells.

Clinical significance
Up-regulation of this gene in is_associated_with::Parkinson disease (PD) tissues suggests that the protein may be involved in the pathology of PD.