| Primary Identifier | IPR051586 | Type | Family |
| Short Name | NELL |
| description | This family represents the NELL (neural EGFL-like) family of proteins, which includes protein kinase C-binding proteins NELL1 and NELL2. Members of this family are large glycoproteins that form homotrimers and interact with protein kinase C [, ]. NELL1 plays a role in the control of cell growth and differentiation, specifically promoting osteoblast cell differentiation and terminal mineralization [, ]. NELL2 plays multiple roles in neural tissues, regulating neuronal proliferation, survival, differentiation, polarization, and axon guidance [, , ]. NELL2 functions as a repulsive axon guidance cue by binding to the ROBO3 receptor [, ]. Furthermore, NELL2 is secreted in the epididymis and signals through the ROS1 receptor tyrosine kinase pathway to regulate sperm maturation and male fertility [, , , ]. Structurally, NELL proteins typically consist of an N-terminal thrombospondin-like domain, several von Willebrand factor type C domains, and multiple epidermal growth factor-like domains. |
