Neuronal cell adhesion molecule (NRCAM)

The neuronal cell adhesion molecule (NRCAM) is a transmembrane protein of the immunoglobulin superfamily, consisting of six Ig-like domains and five fibronectin type III (FnIII) repeats extracellularly, and a conserved cytoplasmic tail that binds ankyrin and other cytoskeletal partners. NRCAM mediates neuron-neuron adhesion and is essential for correct axon guidance, growth cone dynamics, and fasciculation during brain development. Its mechanisms involve both homophilic interactions and partnering in multi-protein receptor complexes (e.g., the Semaphorin 3F/Npn2/PlexinA3 complex), crucial for axon repulsion. NRCAM is highly expressed in the central nervous system, notably in the amygdala, cortex, and limbic tracts, and also found in some non-neural tissues and cancers. Genetic variants in NRCAM are associated with risk for autism spectrum disorders, altered social behaviors, and several types of malignancies. No approved drugs specifically target NRCAM, but it is the subject of ongoing research for both neurological and oncologic indications.

Other names

KIAA0343Nr-CAMhBravoBravoNeuronal surface protein BravoNgCAM-related cell adhesion moleculeNEDNMS

Drugs or agents that affect NRCAM would likely act by modulating cell-cell adhesion, axon growth, or its role as part of a holoreceptor complex facilitating axon guidance/repulsion (e.g., through disruption of Semaphorin 3F signaling)