NEL Like Protein 1 (NELL1)

NELL1 encodes a cytoplasmic protein that contains epidermal growth factor (EGF) -like repeats. The encoded heterotrimeric protein may be involved in cell growth regulation and differentiation. A similar protein in rodents is involved in craniosynostosis. An alternative splice variant has been described but its full-length sequence has not been determined.

Proteins containing epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like repeats are often involved in growth regulation and differentiation. The NELL1 open reading frame encodes an 810-amino acid polypeptide. Both NELL1 and NELL2 sequences included a secretory signal sequence but no transmembrane domains. The NELL1 amino acid sequence exhibits 50% identity to that of chicken 'nel.'