Contactin-3

Contactin-3 (CNTN3) is a GPI-anchored neuronal adhesion protein whose expression is largely confined to the nervous system, including motor neurons and cerebellar granule cells. It supports axonal growth and cell-cell recognition through homophilic and heterophilic Ig-domain interactions, and in motor neurons it participates in the outgrowth programs that shape neuromuscular connectivity. Coding variants in CNTN3 have been reported in families with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and in some autism spectrum disorder cohorts, although penetrance is incomplete. Contactin-3 has additionally been described as an amyloidogenic protein in aging brain, adding relevance to neurodegeneration research.