ALCAM
This gene encodes activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM), also known as CD166 (cluster of differentiation 166), which is a member of a subfamily of immunoglobulin receptors with five immunoglobulin-like domains (VVC2C2C2) in the extracellular domain. This protein binds to T-cell differentiation antigene CD6, and is implicated in the processes of cell adhesion and migration. Multiple alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2011]
Full Name
Activated Leukocyte Cell Adhesion Molecule
Function
Cell adhesion molecule that mediates both heterotypic cell-cell contacts via its interaction with CD6, as well as homotypic cell-cell contacts (PubMed:7760007, PubMed:15496415, PubMed:15048703, PubMed:16352806, PubMed:23169771, PubMed:24945728). Promotes T-cell activation and proliferation via its interactions with CD6 (PubMed:15048703, PubMed:16352806, PubMed:24945728). Contributes to the formation and maturation of the immunological synapse via its interactions with CD6 (PubMed:15294938, PubMed:16352806). Mediates homotypic interactions with cells that express ALCAM (PubMed:15496415, PubMed:16352806). Required for normal hematopoietic stem cell engraftment in the bone marrow (PubMed:24740813). Mediates attachment of dendritic cells onto endothelial cells via homotypic interaction (PubMed:23169771). Inhibits endothelial cell migration and promotes endothelial tube formation via homotypic interactions (PubMed:15496415, PubMed:23169771). Required for normal organization of the lymph vessel network. Required for normal hematopoietic stem cell engraftment in the bone marrow. Plays a role in hematopoiesis; required for normal numbers of hematopoietic stem cells in bone marrow. Promotes in vitro osteoblast proliferation and differentiation (By similarity). Promotes neurite extension, axon growth and axon guidance; axons grow preferentially on surfaces that contain ALCAM. Mediates outgrowth and pathfinding for retinal ganglion cell axons (By similarity).
Isoform 3: Inhibits activities of membrane-bound isoforms by competing for the same interaction partners. Inhibits cell attachment via homotypic interactions. Promotes endothelial cell migration. Inhibits endothelial cell tube formation.
Biological Process
Adaptive immune response Source: UniProtKB-KW
Axon extension involved in axon guidance Source: UniProtKB
Cell adhesion Source: UniProtKB
Heterophilic cell-cell adhesion via plasma membrane cell adhesion molecules Source: UniProtKB
Motor neuron axon guidance Source: Ensembl
Neuron projection extension Source: UniProtKB
Retinal ganglion cell axon guidance Source: UniProtKB
Signal transduction Source: ProtInc
Cellular Location
Cell membrane; Axon; Dendrite. Detected at the immunological synapse, i.e, at the contact zone between antigen-presenting dendritic cells and T-cells (PubMed:15294938, PubMed:16352806). Colocalizes with CD6 and the TCR/CD3 complex at the immunological synapse (PubMed:15294938).
Isoform 3: Secreted
Topology
Extracellular: 28-527 aa
Helical: 528-549 aa
Cytoplasmic: 550-583 aa