Patj - PATJ, crumbs cell polarity complex component

This gene encodes a multivalent PDZ domain protein, which is expressed exclusively in brain and kidney. This protein selectively interacts with inward rectifier K+ (Kir) family members, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunits, neurexins and neuroligins, as well as cell surface molecules enriched in synaptic membranes. Thus, this protein may serve as a scaffold that brings structurally diverse but functionally connected proteins into close proximity at the synapse. Multiple alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]