Secretion of N-terminal domain of α-dystroglycan in cerebrospinal fluid

► We examined if N-terminal domain of α-dystroglycan (α-DG-N) is secreted in cerebrospinal fluid. ► We generated a new monoclonal antibody against the N-terminal domain of α-DG-N. ► A considerable amount of α-DG-N is present in human cerebrospinal fluid. ► α-DG-N in cerebrospinal fluid is a sialylated glycoprotein with N- and O-linked glycan. ► α-DG-N in cerebrospinal fluid may have unidentified effects on the nervous system.