CD56

CD56 (also known as NCAM, Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule) is a molecule expressed on the surface of neurons, glial cells, skeletal muscle and natural killer cells. NCAM has been implicated in a variety of cellular processes, including cell adhesion, cell migration, neurite outgrowth, and synaptic plasticity.

Structure

CD56 is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily. It is a transmembrane protein, and exists in several isoforms, which are produced by alternative splicing. The extracellular domain of CD56 contains five immunoglobulin-like domains followed by two fibronectin type III domains. The intracellular domain of CD56 contains a varying number of tandemly repeated sequences, depending on the isoform.

Function

CD56 plays a crucial role in cell adhesion and migration. It is involved in the formation and maintenance of the nervous system, including neurite outgrowth, synaptogenesis, and synaptic plasticity. In the immune system, CD56 is expressed on natural killer cells and some T cells, and plays a role in their activation and function.

Clinical significance

Abnormal expression of CD56 has been observed in several types of cancer, including neuroblastoma, small cell lung cancer, and multiple myeloma. In these cases, CD56 is often used as a diagnostic marker. CD56 is also used as a marker for natural killer cells in flow cytometry.

See also

• Natural killer cell
• Neuroblastoma
• Small cell lung cancer
• Multiple myeloma

References

CD56 Resources
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