This gene encodes a type-I integral membrane glycoprotein with diverse distribution in human tissues. The physiological function of this protein may be related to its mucin-type character. The homologous protein in other species has been described as a differentiation antigen and influenza-virus receptor. The specific function of this protein has not been determined but it has been proposed as a marker of lung injury. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been identified. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008],
Function:
Caution:The sequence shown here is derived from an Ensembl automatic analysis pipeline and should be considered as preliminary data.,Function:May be involved in cell migration and/or actin cytoskeleton organization. When expressed in keratinocytes, induces changes in cell morphology with transfected cells showing an elongated shape, numerous membrane protrusions, major reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, increased motility and decreased cell adhesion. Required for normal lung cell proliferation and alveolus formation at birth. Induces platelet aggregation. Does not have any effect on folic acid or amino acid transport. Does not function as a water channel or as a regulator of aquaporin-type water channels.,PTM:Extensively O-glycosylated. Contains sialic acid residues. O-glycosylation is necessary for platelet aggregation activity.,PTM:The N-terminus is blocked.,similarity:Belongs to the podoplanin family.,subcellular location:Localized to actin-rich microvilli and plasma membrane projections such as filopodia, lamellipodia and ruffles.,tissue specificity:Highly expressed in placenta, lung, skeletal muscle and brain. Weakly expressed in brain, kidney and liver. In placenta, expressed on the apical plasma membrane of endothelium. In lung, expressed in alveolar epithelium. Up-regulated in colorectal tumors and expressed in 25% of early oral squamous cell carcinomas.,