The Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule (NCAM): From Memory Formation to Cancer

The ubiquitous feature of NCAM highlights the importance of biological communication and recognition. Cellular recognition through the surface membrane holds the key to understanding the complexities of memory formation, motility disorders, cancer and other major human diseases. Cell-cell adhesion is a major aspect in the metastatic process of cancer. The immunoglobulin superfamily (Ig-SF) which includes NCAM and variants play a central role. NCAM can exert both a positive and a negative regulation on cancer progression, depending on the tumour context. Targeting these adherent surface glycoproteins may enhance the adjuvant treatment of cancers especially those not responsive to conventional systemic chemotherapy.