sax-7 encodes an ortholog of human L1CAM, and a paralog of lad-2; L1CAM is a member of the group of highly conserved transmembrane cell adhesion receptor molecules which belong to the immunuglobulin superfamily; SAX-7 is required for axon guidance, neurite outgrowth and maintenance of neuronal positioning through homophilic and heterophilic interactions; sax-7 also affects germline development, embryonic morphogenesis, gonadal morphogenesis and tissue attachment; SAX-7 function is regulated by its physical interaction with the ankyrin UNC-44, and the gamma-syntrophin STN-2; nonphosphorylated SAX-7 is ubiquitously expressed at sites of cell-cell contact and colocalizes with UNC-44.
Enables ankyrin binding activity. Involved in several processes, including cell development; establishment of mitotic spindle orientation; and regulation of cell morphogenesis. Located in several cellular components, including axolemma; lateral plasma membrane; and somatodendritic compartment. Expressed in several structures, including gonad; neurons; pharynx; somatic nervous system; and vulval cell. Used to study MASA syndrome. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in schizophrenia. Is an ortholog of human NFASC (neurofascin) and NRCAM (neuronal cell adhesion molecule).