ACAM, a novel member of the neural IgCAM family, mediates anterior neural tube closure in a primitive chordate.

ABSTRACT: The neural IgCAM family of cell adhesion molecules, which includes NCAM and related molecules, has evolved via gene duplication and alternative splicing to allow for a wide range of isoforms with distinct functions and homophilic binding properties. A search for neural IgCAMs in ascidians (Ciona intestinalis, Ciona savignyi, and Phallusia mammillata) has identified a novel set of truncated family members that, unlike the known members, lack fibronectin III domains and consist of only repeated Ig domains. Within the tunicates this form appears to be unique to the ascidians, and it was designated ACAM, for Ascidian Cell Adhesion Molecule. In C. intestinalis ACAM is expressed in the developing neural plate and neural tube, with strongest expression in the anterior sensory vesicle precursor. U

SUBMITTER: Morales Diaz H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4688226 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature