Neuronal axonal membrane protein Nap-22, also designated neuronal tissue-enriched acidic protein or brain acid soluble protein (BASP1), is a Ca2+-dependent calmodulin-binding protein that is important for neuronal sprouting and plasticity. Nap-22 is abundant in brain nerve terminals and is also present in significant amounts in kidney, testis and lymphoid tissue. Nap-22 undergoes N-terminal myristoylation for membrane localization. It has been characterized as a major protein of neuronal rafts, which are known to preferentially bind membranes containing cholesterol. Nap-22 is a crucial protein active in neurite outgrowth and synaptic plasticity.
