ALCAM ( Activated Leukocyte Cell Adhesion Molecule ) / CD166 is a member of a small sub-group of transmembrane glycoproteins belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily . The fully formed protein assigned to this group are characterized by the presence of three fragments : the extracellular międzybłonowego and a short cytoplasmic region . ALCAM/CD166 participates in heterophile ( ALCAM/CD166-CD6 ) and homofilnej ( ALCAM/CD166-ALCAM/CD166 ) in a variety of cell adhesion tissues and cell lines . Participation ALCAM/CD166 described with respect to processes of hematopoiesis , the development of the nervous system and the immune response. ALCAM/CD166 also plays an important role in carcinogenesis . There has been the initial increase in adhesion molecule expression , and then formed by the loss of contact ALCAM/CD166 tumor cells in the development of prostate cancer , malignant melanoma or breast cancer. This article summarizes current research and theories describing the importance ALCAM/CD166 adhesion , growth and development of normal and malignant cells.