Plays a major role in tight junction-specific obliteration of the intercellular space, through calcium-independent cell-adhesion activity. Involved in the regulation of paracellular epithelia permeability to ions in multiple organs. It acts as a paracellular ion channel probably forming permselective pores; isoform 1 appears to create pores preferentially permeable to cations and isoform 2 for anions. In sweat glands and in the thick ascending limb (TAL) of Henle's loop in kidney, it controls paracellular sodium permeability which is essential for proper sweat production and renal function ( ).
Subcellular locations: Cell junction, Tight junction, Cell membrane
Expressed in the kidney, eccrine sweat glands and in all layers of the epidermis. In the kidney, it is detected in the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop (TAL) (, ). In the sweat glands, it is expressed in cells from secretory portions, corresponding to the clear cells .