SynCAM (Cadm, Necl, IgSF4)

A synaptic adhesion molecule of the Ig superfamily

General Information

Development of synapses involves transsynaptic interactions of dedicated synaptic adhesion molecules like neuroligins, neurexins and synCAMs (Synaptic cell adhesion molecules). Four SynCAM isoforms have been described so far. All share a common domain structure and contain three extracellular Ig domains, a single transmembrane region, and a short COOH-terminal cytoplasmic tail.
SynCAM 2 has been shown to be associated to myelinated axons and synCAM 3 can serve as a receptor for herpes viruses.