Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule, chicken

Research Category
Neuroscience

Research Sub Category
Growth Cones & Axon Guidance

Neurofilament & Neuron Metabolism

Source: Embryonic Chicken Brain. Molecular Weight: 200-250 kDa, when treated with Neurminidase, 140-180 kDa. A breakdown product of 160 kDa may also be visible.

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Product Source: Embryonic Chicken Brain. Molecular Weight: 200-250 kDa, when treated with Neurminidase, 140-180 kDa. A breakdown product of 160 kDa may also be visible.

The neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) was the first cell-cell adhesion molecule to be identified, isolated, and sequenced. Structurally, the extracellular portion of NCAM is comprised of five IgG-like domains followed by two fibronectin type III repeats. Because of its history, NCAM is considered to be the classic example of the family of cell-cell adhesion molecules that are structurally related to immunoglobulins. There are three forms of NCAM molecules that differ in their mode of attachment to the plasma membrane: ld, transmembrane form with large cytoplasmic domain; sd, transmembrane form with small cytoplasmic domain; ssd, GPI linked to the external surface of the plasma membrane. NCAM is unique in that the molecule can bear large oligosaccharides containing long chains of polysialic acid. Functionally, NCAM mediates cell-cell adhesion both in neural cells and a variety of other cell types. NCAM-mediated adhesion occurs by both a homophilic mechanism (NCAM to NCAM) and a heterophilic mechanism in which NCAM binds to heparin sulfate proteoglycans. The polysialic acid in NCAM interferes with NCAM-mediated cell-cell adhesion. Moreover, the polysialic acid on NCAM fills up so much of the space between cells that it also interferes with cell-cell adhesion mediated by other adhesion molecules. It has been suggested that the polysialic acid on NCAM is involved in maintaining plasticity in interactions among neural cells. NCAM is expressed at a wide variety of sites during embryonic development both in the nervous system and other tissues. Its expression is more restricted in the adult brain; however, it is still expressed in certain regions. NCAM expression is also associated with certain diseases. In particular, it is considered to be a marker for Wilms tumor and for small cell lung carcinoma. Chemicon′s preparation of NCAM is derived from embryonic chicken brains and is composed of polysialic acid-rich molecules. Neuraminidase treatment of the preparation reveals that it contains mainly the ld form of NCAM with a smaller amount of the sd form.

Purified NCAM in 15 mM octylthioglucoside/ 0.5 M NaHCO3. Contains no preservative.

Maintain at -20°C in undiluted aliquots for up to 6 months after date of receipt. If required for in vivo applications, detergent can be dialyzed away.

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