PATJ

Scaffolding protein that facilitates the localization of proteins to the cell membrane. Required for the correct formation of tight junctions and epithelial apico-basal polarity. Acts (via its L27 domain) as an apical connector and elongation factor for multistranded TJP1/ZO1 condensates that form a tight junction belt, thereby required for the formation of the tight junction-mediated cell barrier (By similarity). Positively regulates epithelial cell microtubule elongation and cell migration, possibly via facilitating localization of PRKCI/aPKC and PAR3D/PAR3 at the leading edge of migrating cells (By similarity). Plays a role in the correct reorientation of the microtubule-organizing center during epithelial migration (By similarity). May regulate the surface expression and/or function of ASIC3 in sensory neurons (By similarity). May recruit ARHGEF18 to apical cell-cell boundaries..

Function from UniProtKB (Q8NI35), read 2026-09-23. CC BY 4.0.