NEEP21 Background Information NEEP21 (neuron-enriched endosomal 21kDa protein), also known as Brain neuron cytoplasmic protein 1, NSG1 (neuron-specific proteins family member 1), P21 or D4S234E, is a single pass type II membrane protein belonging to the NSG family. It is highly expressed during neuronal maturation but its expression is downregulated in adult tissues. NEEP21 predominantly localizes to Rab 4-positive early endosomes in the somatodendritic neuronal compartment and is essential for proper receptor sorting and recycling in neurons. It associates with GRIP1 and GluR-2 and mediates the surface expression of GluR-2. When this interaction is interrupted, GluR-2 accumulates in early endosomes and leads to changes in evoked synaptic current properties. In addition, NEEP21 forms a complex with the SNARE protein, Syntaxin 13 (also known as Syntaxin 12), and participates in the recycling of transferrin receptors (TFRs) and NTR2 (neurotensin receptor 2).
