Ly6/Neurotoxin 1 (LYNX1)

LYNX1 encodes a member of the Ly-6/neurotoxin gene family, a group of lymphocyte antigens that attach to the cell surface by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor and have a unique structure showing conserved 8-10 cysteine residues with a characteristic spacing pattern. Functional analysis indicates that this protein is not a ligand or neurotransmitter but has the capacity to enhance nicotinic acetylcholine receptor function in the presence of acetylcholine.

This gene may also play a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis vulgaris. Alternatively spliced variants encoding different isoforms have been identified.Expressed in multiple tissues, mainly in the epithelial cells including the skin and keratinocytes, but not in spleen or bone marrow. Up-regulated 3-fold in psoriatic lesional skin.