Neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that plays a crucial role in cell-to-cell interactions within the nervous system. It is predominantly expressed in neural tissues, but can also be found in other tissues such as skeletal muscle and natural killer cells.
NCAM is known for its involvement in neuronal development, plasticity, and regeneration. It functions as an adhesion molecule, allowing cells to adhere to each other and promoting cell migration during neural development. NCAM also mediates cell signaling through intercellular interactions, influencing processes like neurite outgrowth and synapse formation.
The structure of NCAM includes an extracellular region with multiple immunoglobulin-like domains and fibronectin type III repeats, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain that interacts with cytoplasmic proteins. This complex structure enables NCAM to engage in various adhesive interactions and provide signaling cues to neighboring cells.
NCAM exists in several isoforms that differ in their extracellular domain length due to alternative splicing. These isoforms exhibit distinct functional properties and are dynamically regulated throughout development and adulthood.
Abnormalities in NCAM expression or function have been associated with various neurological disorders, including schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, and Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, NCAM is a subject of significant interest in neuroscience research, as it holds potential for understanding neural development, synaptic plasticity, and the pathophysiology of neurological disorders.
