NGL-1 is a single pass type I membrane protein that acts as a cell adhesion molecule. It contains nine leucine-rich repeats (LRR) and one Ig-like C2-type domain. NGL-1 is predominantly expressed in the striatum and the cerebral cortex of both the embryonic and adult brain. NGL-1 specifically interacts with Netrin G1 (a molecule involved in axon guidance in the developing central nervous system) via its LRR region. NGL-1 plays a role in the regulation of neurite outgrowth of developing thalamic neurons. Soluble NGL-1 inhibits thalamic axon outgrowth while NGL-1 that is bound to the surface of developing thalamocortical axons stimulates growth. NGL-1 also interacts with Whirlin possibly stablizing interstereociliar links.