ALCAM/CD166 Protein, Rat (HEK293, His)

ALCAM/CD166 Protein is a cell adhesion molecule that plays multiple roles in cell-cell interactions. It mediates both heterotypic contacts through its interaction with CD6 and homotypic contacts. Its interaction with CD6 promotes T-cell activation, proliferation, and the formation of the immunological synapse. ALCAM also mediates homotypic interactions with ALCAM-expressing cells and facilitates the attachment of dendritic cells to endothelial cells. Furthermore, it inhibits endothelial cell migration, promotes endothelial tube formation, and is necessary for the proper organization of the lymph vessel network. ALCAM is also involved in hematopoiesis, as it is required for normal numbers of hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow and hematopoietic stem cell engraftment. Additionally, it promotes osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, as well as neurite extension, axon growth, and axon guidance. ALCAM facilitates outgrowth and pathfinding for retinal ganglion cell axons. It forms homodimers and interacts with CD6, with both interactions occurring in the extracellular domain. However, homodimerization and CD6 interaction cannot happen simultaneously, and the affinity for CD6 is higher than for self-association. Finally, ALCAM can interact with LGALS1 and LGALS3, but this interaction inhibits its interaction with CD6 and involves the glycosylated extracellular domain.