NCAM1 (Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule 1) also encodes a cell adhesion protein and is member of the immunoglobulin superfamily. The encoded protein is involved in cell-matrix interactions and cell differentiation during development32. NCAM1 is located in the NCAM1-TTC12-ANKK1-DRD2 gene cluster, which is related to neurogenesis and dopaminergic neurotransmission. This gene cluster has been associated with smoking, alcohol use, and illicit drug use12,33–35 and has been implicated in psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and mood disorders36,37.
