Alcam
Domain
The CD6 binding site is located in the N-terminal Ig-like domain.
Function
Cell adhesion molecule that mediates both heterotypic cell-cell contacts via its interaction with CD6, as well as homotypic cell-cell contacts. Promotes T-cell activation and proliferation via its interactions with CD6 (By similarity). Contributes to the formation and maturation of the immunological synapse via its interactions with CD6 (By similarity). Mediates homotypic interactions with cells that express ALCAM (PubMed:24740813). Mediates attachment of dendritic cells onto endothelial cells via homotypic interaction. Inhibits endothelial cell migration and promotes endothelial tube formation via homotypic interactions (PubMed:23169771). Required for normal organization of the lymph vessel network (PubMed:23169771). Required for normal hematopoietic stem cell engraftment in the bone marrow (PubMed:24740813). Plays a role in hematopoiesis; required for normal numbers of hematopoietic stem cells in bone marrow (PubMed:25730656). Promotes in vitro osteoblast proliferation and differentiation (PubMed:25730656). Promotes neurite extension, axon growth and axon guidance; axons grow preferentially on surfaces that contain ALCAM (By similarity). Mediates outgrowth and pathfinding for retinal ganglion cell axons (PubMed:15345243).
Post-translational modifications
Glycosylated.
Tissue Specificity
Detected on brain motor neurons, in differentiating retinal ganglion cells and in adult retina (PubMed:15345243). Detected on leukocytes and on lymphatic endothelial cells (PubMed:23169771). Detected in spleen B cells and T-cells (at protein level) (PubMed:9209500). Detected in adult brain and embryonic spinal cord (PubMed:15345243). Expressed at high levels in the brain, and lung, and at lower levels in the liver, and the kidney, as well as by activated leukocytes (PubMed:9209500).
Cellular localization
- Cell membrane
- Single-pass type I membrane protein
- Cell projection
- Axon
- Cell projection
- Dendrite
- Detected at the immunological synapse, i.e, at the contact zone between antigen-presenting dendritic cells and T-cells. Colocalizes with CD6 and the TCR/CD3 complex at the immunological synapse.
Alternative names
CD166, CD166 antigen, Activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule, BEN, Protein DM-GRASP, Alcam