Opioid-binding Cell Adhesion Molecule (OBCAM), also known as OPCML, is a GPI-anchored cell adhesion molecule in the plasma membrane. This neuron-specific protein, consists of three immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains anchored to the membrane through a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-tail. OPCML also belongs to the member of the IgLON family, a subgroup of the immunoglobulin superfamily, consisting of three members, LAMP, OBCAM, and Neurotrimin. These molecules interact homophilically and heterophilically within the family, and OBCAM acts only as heterodimers with LAMP or Neurotrimin and possibly inhibits neurite outgrowth from cerebellar granule cells. OBCAM has been presumed to play a role as a cell adhesion/recognition molecule. Furthermore, the OPCML protein defects may play an important role in the carcinogenesis of cervical or ovarian cancers, and this gene is regarded as a candidate TSG (tumor suppressor gene).
