Cell adhesion molecule 3 (CADM3)

Cell adhesion molecule 3 (CADM3) is a neural-specific, immunoglobulin superfamily cell adhesion protein encoded by the CADM3 gene. It mediates calcium-independent cell-cell adhesion by forming both homodimers (with itself) and heterodimers (with related proteins such as IGSF4, NECTIN1, and NECTIN3). CADM3 is predominantly expressed in the brain where it participates in the formation and stabilization of neuronal connections, playing critical roles in both sensory and motor neurons. It acts as a negative regulator of Schwann cell myelination in the peripheral nervous system. Loss or reduced expression of CADM3 has been linked to the development of certain cancers (notably glioma), suggesting it functions as a tumor suppressor. Mutations in CADM3 are also associated with neurological diseases, including certain forms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Other names

BIgRIGSF4BNECL1Necl-1TSLL1synCAM3SynCAM3TSLC1-like 1Brain immunoglobulin receptorImmunoglobulin superfamily member 4BNectin-like protein 1Synaptic cell adhesion molecule 3TSLC1-like protein 1CMT2FF