We have characterized T-cadherin, a glycoprotein of 95 kd from chick embryo brain by expression cloning and sequencing of corresponding cDNAs. The nucleotide sequence predicts a novel cadherin cell adhesion molecule in the nervous system. Surprisingly, the isolated cDNAs do not encode the cytoplasmic region conserved in other cadherin subclasses. Biochemical analysis revealed that this truncated (T) cadherin is attached to the neuronal plasma membrane through a glycosyl phosphatidylinositol anchor. T-cadherin is a component of different neuronal populations and is expressed in a temporally and spatially restricted pattern during axon growth. These results are consistant with a putative role of T-cadherin in axon growth and guidance.