[5] NCS-1 is a member of the neuronal calcium sensor family,[6] a class of EF hand containing calcium-myristoyl-switch proteins.

[7] NCS-1 regulates synaptic transmission,[8] helps control the dynamics of nerve terminal growth,[9][10][8] is critical for some forms of learning and memory in C. elegans[11] and mammals,[12] regulates corticohippocampal plasticity; and enhancing levels of NCS-1 in the mouse dentate gyrus increases spontaneous exploration of safe environments,[12] potentially linking NCS-1 to curiosity.

Four pairs of alpha-helices each form independent 12-amino-acid loops containing a negatively charged calcium binding domain known as an EF-hand.

The expression of NCS-1 increases in bipolar disorder and some forms of schizophrenia[18] and decreases in inflammatory bowel disease.

[20] In addition NCS-1 is significant in intelligence in creating curiosity by its function on dopamine D2 receptors in the dentate gyrus, increasing memory for complex tasks.