HNK-1 containingglycoconjugates have been implicated in nervoussystem development, plasticity and dendritic spine morphogenesis., They act as neural-recognition molecules, employing laminin, P-and L-selectins and galectins as receptors for cell adhesion., Furthermore, the expression of HNK-1 is substantially reduced inbrains of Alzheimer’s disease patients and may influence β-amyloidprotein aggregation. The gene discussed is OCA2; the disease is Alzheimer disease.