May play a role in the formation and regulation of the tight junction (TJ) paracellular permeability barrier. It is able to induce adhesion when expressed in cells lacking tight junctions.
(Microbial infection) Acts as a coreceptor for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in hepatocytes.
Subcellular locations: Cell membrane, Cell junction, Tight junction
Localized at tight junctions of both epithelial and endothelial cells. Highly expressed in kidney. Not detected in testis.