Bral1: “Superglue” for the extracellular matrix in the brain white matter

Bral1 is a link protein that stabilizes the binding between lecticans and hyaluronic acid and thus maintains the extracellular matrix assembly in the CNS. Bral1 is specifically located in the white matter around the nodes of Ranvier. Recent studies suggest its function in promoting saltatory neural conduction. This article reviews the current knowledge about the structure, expression and function of this link protein.