Neuroligin-1 is a neuronal cell surface protein belonging to the type-B carboxylesterase/lipase family. It is a necessary component in the maturation of excitatory synapses for their normal, functional development, and is necessary to the regulation of synaptic plasticity and the development of long-term memory within the adult amygdala in mammals. It is believed to participate in cell-cell-interaction through the assembly of intracellular junction by the binding of beta-neurexins, and may also be a factor in the maintenance and assembly of synaptic junctions. It is also thought to have involvement in excitatory synaptic specification. Within brain tissue, Neuroligin-1 is primarily observed in neurons and spinal cord.