The clasp between NetrinG and NGL becomes crystal clear.

EMBO J 30 21, 4479–4488 (2011); published online September 23 2011 NetrinG proteins and NetrinG ligands (NGLs) are adhesive ligand/receptor pairs that influence axon outgrowth and synaptogenesis. In humans, NetrinG mutations are correlated with developmental disorders of cognition, including schizophrenia and Rett syndrome. In this issue of , Seiradake et al (2011) report the crystal structures of NetrinGs and NGLs separately and in complex, revealing a remarkable modularity underlying the molecular specificity of NetrinG/NGL interactions.