The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) is a member of the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily of adhesion molecules []that plays a crucial role in neurite outgrowth [, ]and synaptic plasticity [, ]. It is a multifunctional regulator that not only mediates cell-cell adhesion, but also induces activation of a complex network of intracellular signalling cascades []. NCAM is able to bind itself and to series of receptors, other adhesion molecules and extracellular matrix components. Abnormal NCAM signalling is associated with psychiatric disorders including depression [, ].NCAM can be polysialylated (PSA-NCAM) which reduces the adhesive properties of NCAM and increases intermembrane repulsion []. Polysialylation of NCAM is required during development to dampen the activity of NCAM []and in adult life is restricted to regions of the brain where cell migration, axonal outgrowth, or synaptic plasticity are ongoing [].
