Description
Product Characteristics: NCAM, as a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily of adhesion molecules is characterized by several immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains. The extracellular part of NCAM consists of five of these Ig domains and two fibronectin type III homology regions. NCAM is encoded by a single copy gene composed of 26 exons. However, at least 20-30 distinct isoforms can be generated by alternative splicing and by posttranslational modifications, such as sialylation. During sialylation, polysialic acid (PSA) carbohydrates are attached to the extracellular part of NCAM. Through its extracellular region, NCAM mediates homophilic interactions. In addition, NCAM can also undergo heterophilic interactions by binding extracellular matrix components, such as laminin, or other cell adhesion molecules, such as integrins.
Target Information: This gene encodes a cell adhesion protein which is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily. The encoded protein is involved in cell-to-cell interactions as well as cell-matrix interactions during development and differentiation. The encoded protein has been shown to be involved in development of the nervous system, and for cells involved in the expansion of T cells and dendritic cells which play an important role in immune surveillance. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Jun 2011]