The L1CAM SAX-7 is an antagonistic modulator of Erk Signaling.

L1CAMs are immunoglobulin superfamily cell adhesion molecules that ensure proper nervous system development and function. In addition to being associated with the autism and schizophrenia spectrum disorders, mutations in the L1CAM family of genes also underlie distinct developmental syndromes with neurological conditions, such as intellectual disability, spastic paraplegia, hypotonia and congenital hydrocephalus. Studies in both vertebrate and invertebrate model organisms have established conserved neurodevelopmental roles for L1CAMs; these include axon guidance, dendrite morphogenesis, synaptogenesis, and maintenance of neural architecture, among others.