Anchors the extracellular matrix to the cytoskeleton via F-actin. Ligand for dystroglycan. Component of the dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex which accumulates at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and at a variety of synapses in the peripheral and central nervous systems and has a structural function in stabilizing the sarcolemma. Also implicated in signaling events and synaptic transmission.
Subcellular locations: Cell membrane, Sarcolemma, Cytoplasm, Cytoskeleton, Postsynaptic cell membrane
In muscle cells, sarcolemma localization requires the presence of ANK2, while localization to costameres requires the presence of ANK3. Localizes to neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). In adult muscle, NMJ localization depends upon ANK2 presence, but not in newborn animals.
Expressed in muscle fibers accumulating in the costameres of myoplasm at the sarcolemma. Expressed in brain, muscle, kidney, lung and testis. Most tissues contain transcripts of multiple isoforms. Isoform 15: Only isoform to be detected in heart and liver and is also expressed in brain, testis and hepatoma cells.