SLITRK6: Proteins and Enzymes

SLITRK6 (Slit and Trk-like family member 6) is a transmembrane protein that is expressed in multiple regions of the developing nervous system, notably in the otic vesicle, cochlear and vestibular sensory epithelia, and spiral vestibular ganglion neurons. It can suppress neurite outgrowth and promote the formation of excitatory and inhibitory presynaptic structures. Mice lacking SLITRK6 exhibit delayed retinal synaptogenesis and multiple auditory abnormalities as well as defective auditory sensory innervation, neuronal loss in the vestibular ganglia, and reduced cochlear expression of BDNF, NT-3, TrkB, and TrkC. In humans, nonsense mutations of SLITRK6 are associated with myopia and sensorial deafness.