DSCAM and DSCAM-like (DSCAML1) serve diverse neurodevelopmental functions, including axon guidance, synaptic adhesion, and self-avoidance [, , ]. DSCAML1 is a paralogue of DSCAM that has been identified in vertebrates [].
Cell adhesion molecule DSCAM is a cell adhesion molecule that plays a role in axon guidance, self-avoidance and synaptic formation [, , , , ]. It is a receptor for netrin, acting independently of and in collaboration with DCC []. DSCAM is one of the largest Immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily CAMs, containing 10 Ig domains and six fibronectin type III (FN) repeats [], and contributes to defects in the central nervous system in Down syndrome patients []. Vertebrate DSCAMs differ from Drosophila Dscam1 in that they lack the extensive alternative splicing that occurs in the insect gene []. Drosophila Dscam2 is also alternatively spliced and plays a crucial role in the development of two visual system neurons, monopolar cells L1 and L2 [].
This entry is specific to the insecta, predominantly Drosophila spp. This entry is found in association with , and . The Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (Dscam) belongs to a family of cell membrane molecules involved in the differentiation of the nervous system. This is the C-terminal cytoplasmic tail region of Dscam. In Drosophila melanogaster (Fruit fly) the gene has at least 59 different transcripts. Dscam may play a role in the nervous and immune systems [].
Neuroplastin and basigin are members of the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily. They have two Ig domains that project into the extracellular space. They are also present as isoforms containing an additional N-terminal Ig domain. They contain a glutamate (E) at exactly the same position in the transmembrane domain, which may be important for molecular interactions within the membrane region [].Basigin is present on the surface of tumour cells and stimulate nearby fibroblasts to synthesise matrix metalloproteases (MMPs), which play an important role in tumour invasiveness and metastasis []. Basigin has also been repeatedly implicated in the proper function of the blood brain barrier [, ]. In addition, the protein is essential for fertility in both males and females[]. In males, it is required for the completion of spermatogenesis, while in females, it is needed for maintaining normal reproductive functions. Basigins are highly glycosylated membrane proteins, the degree of glycosylation varying with tissue type. The extracellular region of basigin contains two randomly arranged Ig domains: an Ig-like C2-type domain and an Ig-like V-domain [].Neuroplastin is a probable homophilic and heterophilic cell adhesion molecule involved in long term potentiation at hippocampal excitatory synapses through activation of p38MAPK []. It may also regulate neurite outgrowth by activating the FGFR1 signaling pathway []. It may play a role in synaptic plasticity [].Contactins are cell adhesion molecules that belong to the immunoglobulin superfamily and are involved in neural development []. Contactin-2 (CNTN2/axonin-1/TAG-1/TAX-1) is highly expressed at the axon growth cone and plays an important role in regulating axon guidance and path finding, as well as in neuron migration. Contactin-6 (CNTN6/NB-3) binds Notch and and promotes oligodendrogliogenesis from progenitor cells and differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells.Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (DSCAM) is a cell adhesion molecule that plays a role in axon guidance, self-avoidance and synaptic formation []. DSCAM is one of the largest Immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily CAMs [], and contributes to defects in the central nervous system in Down syndrome patients [].This entry represents a family of neuronal cell adhesion molecules that belong to the immunoglobulin superfamily and are involved in neural development.
