The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) as a regulator of cell-cell interactions
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
1-1-1988
Journal
Science
Volume
240
Issue
4848
DOI
10.1126/science.3281256
Abstract
The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) can influence a number of diverse intercellular events, including junctional communication, the association of axons with pathways and targets, and signals that alter levels of neurotransmitter enzymes. These pleiotropic effects appear to reflect the ability of NCAM to regulate membrane-membrane contact required to initiate specific interactions between other molecules. Such regulation can occur through changes in either NCAM expression or the molecule's content of polysialic acid (PSA). When NCAM with a low PSA content is expressed, adhesion is increased and contact-dependent events are triggered. In contrast, the large excluded volume of NCAM PSA can inhibit cell-cell interactions through hindrance of overall membrane apposition.
APA Citation
Rutishauser, U., Acheson, A., Hall, A., Mann, D., & Sunshine, J. (1988). The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) as a regulator of cell-cell interactions. Science, 240 (4848). http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.3281256