背景
This gene encodes a member of the membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) familyof proteins, and acts as a tight junction adaptor protein that also regulates adherensjunctions. Tight junctions regulate the movement of ions and macromolecules betweenendothelial and epithelial cells. The multidomain structure of this scaffold protein, includinga postsynaptic density 95/disc-large/zona occludens (PDZ) domain, a Src homology (SH3)domain, a guanylate kinase (GuK) domain and unique (U) motifs all help to co-ordinatebinding of transmembrane proteins, cytosolic proteins, and F-actin, which are required fortight junction function. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants encodingdifferent isoforms
