This gene encodes a member of the transmembrane 4 superfamily, also known as the tetraspanin family. Tetraspanins are cell surface glycoproteins with four transmembrane domains that form multimeric complexes with other cell surface proteins. The encoded protein functions in many cellular processes including differentiation, adhesion, and signal transduction, and expression of this gene plays a critical role in the suppression of cancer cell motility and metastasis. [provided by RefSeq, Jan 2011],function:Involved in platelet activation and aggregation. Regulates paranodal junction formation. Involved in cell adhesion, cell motility and tumor metastasis. Required for sperm-egg fusion.,PTM:Protein exists in three forms with molecular masses between 22 and 27 kDa, and is known to carry covalently linked fatty acids.,similarity:Belongs to the tetraspanin (TM4SF) family.,subunit:Forms both disulfide-linked homodimers and higher homooligomers as well as heterooligomers with other members of the tetraspanin family. Associates with CR2/CD21 and with PTGFRN/CD9P1. Interacts directly with IGSF8.,tissue specificity:Expressed by a variety of hematopoietic and epithelial cells.,
