Limbic System Associated Membrane Protein (LSAMP)

LAMP (or LSAMP) is a 64- to 68-kD neuronal surface glycoprotein found in cortical and subcortical regions of the limbic system. During development of the limbic system, LAMP is found on the surface of axonal membranes and growth cones, where it acts as a selective homophilic adhesion molecule, and guides the development of specific patterns of neuronal connections .The human cDNA encoded a 338-amino acid polypeptide with 99% identity to the rat protein. The translated polypeptide sequence contains a secretory signal sequence, a hydrophobic C-terminus typical of proteins linked by GPI-membrane anchors, 8 putative N-linked glycosylation sites, 3 Ig domains, and several putative phosphorylation sites. Northern blot analysis revealed that the gene is expressed as 1.6- and 8.0-kb transcripts in human brain.