Engelsk definition
Presynaptic cell-adhesion molecules that bind postsynaptic NEUROLIGINS to form calcium-dependent trans-synaptic adhesions. Neurexins recruit synaptic scaffolding proteins via their PDZ DOMAINS. Distribution and interaction with neuroligins are regulated by ALTERNATIVE SPLICING. Alterations in genes encoding neurexins are associated with cognitive diseases such AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER; SCHIZOPHRENIA and Pitt-Hopkins-like syndrome 2.