Acts as a multivalent adapter protein that regulates Rab7-dependent and HOPS complex-dependent fusion events in the endolysosomal system and couples autophagic and the endocytic trafficking pathways. Acts as a dual effector of RAB7A and ARL8B that simultaneously binds these GTPases, bringing about clustering and fusion of late endosomes and lysosomes (, ). Required for late stages of endolysosomal maturation, facilitating both endocytosis-mediated degradation of growth factor receptors and autophagosome clearance. Interaction with Arl8b is a crucial factor in the terminal maturation of autophagosomes and to mediate autophagosome-lysosome fusion . Positively regulates lysosome peripheral distribution and ruffled border formation in osteoclasts (By similarity). May be involved in negative regulation of endocytic transport from early endosome to late endosome/lysosome implicating its association with Rab7 . May have a role in sialyl-lex-mediated transduction of apoptotic signals . Involved in bone resorption (By similarity).
(Microbial infection) In case of infection contributes to Salmonella typhimurium pathogenesis by supporting the integrity of the Salmonella-containing vacuole (SCV) probably in concert with the HOPS complex and Rab7.
Subcellular locations: Autolysosome membrane, Endosome membrane, Late endosome membrane, Lysosome membrane
In case of infection colocalizes with Salmonella typhimurium sifA in proximity of Salmonella-containing vacuole (SCV) .
Expressed in placenta, liver, prostate, thymus, spleen, ovary, colon, colon carcinoma and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). Weakly expressed in brain, lung, kidney, and testis. No expression in heart, skeletal muscle, pancreas and small intestine. Predominantly expressed in the breast carcinoma cell line MCF-7.