Neural adhesion molecule L1 as a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily with binding domains similar to fibronectin

Abstract

Diverse glycoproteins of cell surfaces and extracellular matrices operationally termed 'adhesion molecules' are important in the specification of cell interactions during development, maintenance and regeneration of the nervous system1,2. These adhesion molecules have distinct functions involving different cells at different developmental stages, but may cooperate when expressed together3-6. Families of adhesion molecules which share common carbohydrate domains do exist, despite the structural and functional diversity of these glycoproteins7,8,9. These include the Ca2+-independent neural adhesion molecules: N-CAM, myelin associated glycoprotein (MAG)10 and L1. L1 is involved in neuron-neuron adhesion6, neurite fasciculation11, outgrowth of neurites12, cerebellar granule cell migration13, neurite outgrowth on Schwann cells14 and interactions among epithelial cells of intestinal crypts15. We show here that in addition to sharing carbohydrate epitopes with N-CAM and MAG, L1 is also a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily. It contains six C2 domains and also shares three type III domains with the extracellular matrix adhesion molecule fibronectin. © 2002 Nature Publishing Group.