Contactin-6, is a 130kD member of the TAG/F3 subgroup of Contactin GPI-linked neuronal adhesion proteins (1,2). Mature mouse Contactin-6 consists of six immunoglobulin-like domains, a flexible linker region, four fibronectin type III domains, and a GPI anchor (3-5). Mouse Contactin-6 shares 90-96aa sequence identity with human and rat Contactin-6, respectively. Alternate splicing generates an isoform with a 17aa deletion in the first Ig-like domain (3). Contactin-6 expression is upregulated postnatally in the cerebellum, brainstem, and hippocampus, and it shows differential expression within various structures of the brain (3,5-7). In the cerebellum, it is presynaptically localized at synapses between excitatory glutamatergic parallel fibers and Purkinje cells (7). Contactin-6 associates in cis with CHL-1 and in trans with Notch-1 on oligodendrocytes (6,8). Its binding to Notch-1 triggers translocation of the Notch intracellular domain to the nucleus and promotes oligodendrogenesis (6). Contactin-6 function is important in the postnatal development and function of the cerebellum, as shown in knockout mice which exhibit poor motor coordination (5,7).
Intended for research use only. Not for use in human, therapeutic, or diagnostic applications.