Mouse Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule L1-Like Protein (CHL-1) Protein

Background

CHL1, a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, is closely related to L1CAM and plays a pivotal role in nervous system development and plasticity. CHL1 is expressed predominantly in the brain and spinal cord, where it mediates axon guidance, neuronal migration, and synapse formation by promoting cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion. It contains extracellular immunoglobulin-like and fibronectin type III domains, facilitating its interactions with extracellular matrix proteins and other cell adhesion molecules. CHL1 is critical for axonal outgrowth, particularly in commissural axons, and contributes to neural circuit establishment during embryonic development. Mutations or altered expression of CHL1 have been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, including schizophrenia and intellectual disability. CHL1 also interacts with intracellular signaling proteins, influencing cytoskeletal dynamics and neuronal polarity. Emerging evidence suggests that CHL1 may play a role in peripheral nervous system repair and regeneration following injury. Beyond the nervous system, CHL1 is implicated in cancer biology, where its dysregulation has been associated with tumor cell invasion and metastasis, particularly in glioblastoma. Its dual role in normal development and disease highlights CHL1 as a potential therapeutic target for both neurological and oncological conditions.