Neurocan is the major soluble chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan in the brain. It is thought to play a functional role in axonal growth and guidance and in the establishment of specific neural pathways during embryonic brain development. Neurocan expression in the brain is developmentally regulated. Early on the major form of neurocan consists of a 245kD core protein with approximately two chondroitin sulfate glycosoaminoglycan chains of 22kD each. Later neurocan comprises a 180kD core protein Both forms of neurocan contain only chondroitin 4-sulfate glycosoaminoglycan chains. By virtue of their high expression at sites of neural damage and trauma, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, including neurocan, are thought to inhibit successful nerve regeneration. Alternative names: Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 3; Cspg3; NCAN; NEUR; Neurocan core protein.