Neural cell adhesion molecule involved in the dynamics of cell adhesion and in the generation of transmembrane signals at tyrosine kinase receptors. During brain development, critical in multiple processes, including neuronal migration, axonal growth and fasciculation, and synaptogenesis. In the mature brain, plays a role in the dynamics of neuronal structure and function, including synaptic plasticity. Interacts with SHTN1; the interaction occurs in axonal growth cones (By similarity). Interacts with isoform 2 of BSG (PubMed:12558975). Colocalized with SHTN1 in close apposition with actin filaments in filopodia and lamellipodia of axonalne growth cones of hippocampal neurons. Expressed in the brain, including in the molecular layer of the cerebellar cortex, the fiber-rich layers of the hippocampus (alveus, and strata lacunosum moleculare, radiatum, and oriens), the nerve fiber layer and the inner and outer plexiform layers of the retina, and in the molecular layer of the olfactory bulb (at protein level). Belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily. L1/neurofascin/NgCAM family. N-CAM 140