AFDN

This gene encodes a multi-domain protein involved in signaling and organization of cell junctions during embryogenesis. It has also been identified as the fusion partner of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL-1) gene, involved in acute myeloid leukemias with t(6;11)(q27;q23) translocation. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been described for this gene, however, not all have been fully characterized.[provided by RefSeq, May 2011]

Full Name

Afadin, Adherens Junction Formation Factor

Function

Belongs to an adhesion system, probably together with the E-cadherin-catenin system, which plays a role in the organization of homotypic, interneuronal and heterotypic cell-cell adherens junctions (AJs) (By similarity). Nectin- and actin-filament-binding protein that connects nectin to the actin cytoskeleton. May play a key role in the organization of epithelial structures of the embryonic ectoderm (By similarity). Essential for the organization of adherens junctions.

Biological Process

Adherens junction organization
Bicellular tight junction assembly
Cell adhesion
Cell-cell adhesion mediated by cadherin
Cell-cell signaling
Establishment of endothelial intestinal barrier
Establishment of protein localization to plasma membrane
Negative regulation of cell migration
Pore complex assembly
Positive regulation of cell-cell adhesion
Positive regulation of cell-cell adhesion mediated by cadherin
Positive regulation of gene expression
Positive regulation of GTPase activity
Regulation of protein localization
Signal transduction

Cellular Location

Adherens junction. Not found at cell-matrix AJs.