The CADM2 (Cell Adhesion Molecule 2) antibody is a tool used to study the CADM2 protein, a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily involved in cell-cell adhesion and signaling. CADM2. also known as SynCAM2 or Necl-3. is characterized by extracellular immunoglobulin-like domains, a transmembrane region, and a cytoplasmic tail that interacts with intracellular scaffolding proteins. It plays critical roles in synaptic organization, neural network formation, and immune regulation by mediating homophilic or heterophilic interactions between cells.
Expressed predominantly in the central nervous system, CADM2 is implicated in neurodevelopmental processes, including axon guidance and synaptic plasticity. Dysregulation of CADM2 has been linked to neurological disorders, psychiatric conditions (e.g., autism, schizophrenia), and cancers, where it may influence tumor invasiveness or metastasis.
CADM2 antibodies are widely utilized in research to detect protein expression, localization, and interactions via techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and co-immunoprecipitation. These antibodies help elucidate CADM2's functional mechanisms in health and disease, offering potential insights into therapeutic targets. Validation of specificity (e.g., knockout controls) is essential to ensure reliable experimental outcomes. Ongoing studies explore its role in neural circuit formation, immune modulation, and cancer biology.