PMID: 2482622Jan 1, 1989Paper

[A highly sialylated, embryonic form of the neural cell adhesion molecule in Wilms tumor: identification of a cell adhesion molecule as a onco-developmental antigen].

Verhandlungen der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Pathologie
J RothP U Heitz

Abstract

The neural cell adhesion molecule NCAM is a general Ca2+ -independent cell adhesion molecule which exerts important functions during the development of the nervous system. NCAM polypeptides exist in various isoforms all of which have a similar extracellular domain structure containing a homophilic binding site for establishment of cell-cell contacts. A common structural feature of NCAM is the presence of homopolymers of alpha 2,8-linked sialic acid residues, the so-called polysialic acid, which is developmentally regulated. It undergoes a change from a highly less sialylated short chain form from embryonic to adult life. The polysialic acid regulates the homophilic adhesive properties of NCAM. The highly sialylated form of NCAM typically found in developing tissues decreases homophilic NCAM-NCAM interactions and, therefore, cell-cell contacts due to its large excluded volume and electric repulsive forces. We have used a monoclonal antibody against polysialic acid, polyclonal antibodies against NCAM, polysialic acid specific bacteriophage-encoded endoneuraminidases and a NCAM cDNA to investigate this molecule by light and electron microscopic immunolabeling, in situ hybridization and immunochemistry. The highly sialylated form o...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Cell Adhesion Molecules in the Brain

Cell adhesion molecules found on cell surface help cells bind with other cells or the extracellular matrix to maintain structure and function. Here is the latest research on their role in the brain.