Neurocan: Proteins and Enzymes

Neurocan, also known as CSPG3 and 1D1, is a secreted chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan that is primarily expressed in the central nervous system. Human Neurocan is predicted to be cleaved following Met635, resulting in N-terminal (Neurocan-130) and C-terminal (Neurocan-C) fragments. Neurocan and Neurocan-C are produced by astrocytes and accumulate in the matrix surrounding axonal bundles and neuronal cell bodies. Neurocan-130 is found mainly in the glial cell cytoplasm. Neurocan inhibits neuronal adhesion and neurite outgrowth through interactions with a variety of matrix and transmembrane molecules.