Contactin-1

Contactin-1 (CNTN1, F3/11) is a GPI-anchored neuronal adhesion molecule built from six immunoglobulin-like and four fibronectin type III domains. It is enriched on axonal membranes and at nodes of Ranvier, where it complexes with contactin-associated protein (Caspr) and neurofascin to organize the paranodal junctions essential for saltatory conduction. Contactin-1 promotes neurite outgrowth and axon fasciculation through interactions with extracellular matrix components and with other IgCAMs. Autoantibodies against contactin-1 occur in a subset of patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, and Cntn1-null mice show paranodal disruption, underscoring its role in peripheral myelination.