Function
CADM1 (Cell Adhesion Molecule 1) is a transmembrane protein that mediates homophilic cell-cell adhesion in a calcium-independent manner. It also participates in heterophilic cell-cell adhesion with CADM3 and NECTIN3, again independent of calcium. Interaction with CRTAM (Cellular Receptor for the Transmembrane Antigen) enhances natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) secretion by CD8+ cells in vitro, as well as NK cell-mediated rejection of tumors expressing CADM1 in vivo. In mast cells, CADM1 may mediate attachment to and promote communication with nerves. Notably, CADM1, alongside MITF (Microphthalmia-associated Transcription Factor), is essential for the development and survival of mast cells in vivo. By interacting with CRTAM and thus promoting adhesion between CD8+ T-cells and CD8+ dendritic cells, CADM1 regulates the retention of activated CD8+ T-cells within the draining lymph node. It is crucial for the intestinal retention of intraepithelial CD4+ CD8+ T-cells and, to a lesser extent, intraepithelial and lamina propria CD8+ T-cells and CD4+ T-cells. The interaction with CRTAM facilitates adhesion to gut-associated CD103+ dendritic cells, which may contribute to the expression of gut-homing and adhesion molecules on T-cells and the conversion of CD4+ T-cells into CD4+ CD8+ T-cells. Acting as a synaptic cell adhesion molecule, CADM1 plays a role in the formation of dendritic spines and synapse assembly. It may be involved in neuronal migration, axon growth, pathfinding, and fasciculation on the axons of differentiating neurons. CADM1 likely plays diverse roles in spermatogenesis, including the adhesion of spermatocytes and spermatids to Sertoli cells and their normal differentiation into mature spermatozoa. CADM1 functions as a tumor suppressor in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. It may contribute to the less invasive phenotypes of lepidic growth tumor cells.