CADM1/SynCAM

CADM1/SynCAM is a brain-specific, immunoglobulin domain. It functions as a homophilic cell adhesion molecule at the synapse. Full-length synCAM has been shown to induce synaptic assembly. It has also been shown that synCAM, in conjunction with glutamate receptors, can sufficiently create a functional postsynaptic response.

The proptein is also involved in neuronal migration, axon growth, pathfinding, and fasciculation on the axons of differentiating neurons. In addition, SynCAM plays diverse roles in spermatogenesis including in the adhesion of spermatocytes and spermatids to Sertoli cells and for their normal differentiation into mature spermatozoa.