Structural basis of cell-cell adhesion by NCAM

The neural cell adhesion molecule NCAM, a member of the immunoglobulin supe rfamily, mediates cell-cell recognition and adhesion via a hemophilic inter action. NCAM plays a key role during development and regeneration of the ne rvous system and is involved in synaptic plasticity associated with memory and learning. The 1.85 Angstrom crystal structure of the two N-terminal ext racellular domains of NCAM reported here provides a structural basis for th e hemophilic interaction. The molecular packing of the two-domain structure reveals a cross shaped antiparallel dimer, and provides fundamental insigh t into trans-cellular recognition mediated by NCAM.