This gene encodes activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM), also known as CD166 (cluster of differentiation 166), which is a member of a subfamily of immunoglobulin receptors with five immunoglobulin-like domains (VVC2C2C2) in the extracellular domain. This protein binds to T-cell differentiation antigene CD6, and is implicated in the processes of cell adhesion and migration. Multiple alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2011],domain:The CD6 binding site is located in the N-terminal Ig-like domain.,function:Cell adhesion molecule that binds to CD6. Involved in neurite extension by neurons via heterophilic and homophilic interactions. May play a role in the binding of T- and B-cells to activated leukocytes, as well as in interactions between cells of the nervous system.,similarity:Contains 2 Ig-like V-type (immunoglobulin-like) domains.,similarity:Contains 3 Ig-like C2-type (immunoglobulin-like) domains.,tissue specificity:Spleen, placenta, liver, and weakly in liver. Expressed by activated T-cells, B-cells, monocytes and thymic epithelial cells. Expressed by neurons in the brain. Restricted expression in tumor cell lines. Preferentially expressed in highly metastasizing melanoma cell lines.,
