Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.0.0)
Enables identical protein binding activity. Involved in calcium-independent cell-cell adhesion via plasma membrane cell-adhesion molecules; cell junction maintenance; and establishment of skin barrier. Located in apical plasma membrane; bicellular tight junction; and lateral plasma membrane. Is expressed in several structures, including alimentary system; axial skeleton; brain; metanephros; and skin. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in Crohn's disease and atopic dermatitis. Orthologous to human CLDN1 (claudin 1).