Involved in the regulation of both adhesion and cell morphology and cancer progression. Functions as an anti-adhesive molecule that maintains an open filtration pathway between neighboring foot processes in the podocyte by charge repulsion. Acts as a pro-adhesive molecule, enhancing the adherence of cells to immobilized ligands, increasing the rate of migration and cell-cell contacts in an integrin-dependent manner. Induces the formation of apical actin-dependent microvilli. Involved in the formation of a preapical plasma membrane subdomain to set up initial epithelial polarization and the apical lumen formation during renal tubulogenesis. Plays a role in cancer development and aggressiveness by inducing cell migration and invasion through its interaction with the actin-binding protein EZR. Affects EZR-dependent signaling events, leading to increased activities of the MAPK and PI3K pathways in cancer cells.
Subcellular locations: Apical cell membrane, Cell projection, Lamellipodium, Cell projection, Filopodium, Cell projection, Ruffle, Cell projection, Microvillus, Membrane raft, Membrane
In single attached epithelial cells is restricted to a preapical pole on the free plasma membrane whereas other apical and basolateral proteins are not yet polarized. Colocalizes with NHERF2 at the apical plasma membrane during epithelial polarization. Colocalizes with NHERF1 at the trans-Golgi network (transiently) and at the apical plasma membrane. Its association with the membrane raft is transient. Colocalizes with actin filaments, EZR and NHERF1 in a punctate pattern at the apical cell surface where microvilli form. Colocalizes with EZR and NHERF2 at the apical cell membrane of glomerular epithelium cells (By similarity). Forms granular, punctuated pattern, forming patches, preferentially adopting a polar distribution, located on the migrating poles of the cell or forming clusters along the terminal ends of filipodia establishing contact with the endothelial cells. Colocalizes with the submembrane actin of lamellipodia, particularly associated with ruffles. Colocalizes with vinculin at protrusions of cells. Colocalizes with ITGB1. Colocalizes with PARD3, PRKCI, EXOC5, OCLN, RAB11A and RAB8A in apical membrane initiation sites (AMIS) during the generation of apical surface and luminogenesis (By similarity).
Glomerular epithelium cell (podocyte).