Cell localization:Membrane.function:Plays a role in cell adhesion, and in cohesion of the endothelial monolayer at intercellµLar junctions in vascµLar tissue. Its expression may allow melanoma cells to interact with cellµLar elements of the vascµLar system, thereby enhancing hematogeneous tumor spread. CoµLd be an adhesion molecµLe active in neural crest cells during embryonic development. Acts as surface receptor that triggers tyrosine phosphorylation of FYN and PTK2, and a transient increase in the intracellµLar calcium concentration.,similarity:Contains 2 Ig-like V-type (immunoglobµLin-like) domains.,similarity:Contains 3 Ig-like C2-type (immunoglobµLin-like) domains.,tissue specificity:Detected in endothelial cells in vascµLar tissue throughout the body. May appear at the surface of neural crest cells during their embryonic migration. Appears to be limited to vascµLar smooth muscle in normal adµLt tissues. Associated with tumor progression and the development of metastasis in human malignant melanoma. Expressed most strongly on metastatic lesions and advanced primary tumors and is only rarely detected in benign melanocytic nevi and thin primary melanomas with a low probability of metastasis.,
