Background:
The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the transmembrane 4 superfamily; also known as the tetraspanin family. Most of these members are cell-surface proteins that are characterized by the presence of four hydrophobic domains. The proteins mediate signal transduction events that play a role in the regulation of cell development; activation; growth and motility. The use of alternate polyadenylation sites has been found for this gene. Multiple alternative transcripts encoding different isoforms have been described.