CLDN9

This gene encodes a member of the claudin family. Claudins are integral membrane proteins and components of tight junction strands. Tight junction strands serve as a physical barrier to prevent solutes and water from passing freely through the paracellular space between epithelial or endothelial cell sheets, and also play critical roles in maintaining cell polarity and signal transductions. This protein is one of the entry cofactors for hepatitis C virus. Mouse studies revealed that this gene is required for the preservation of sensory cells in the hearing organ and the gene deficiency is associated with deafness. [provided by RefSeq, Jun 2010]

Claudin 9

Plays a major role in tight junction-specific obliteration of the intercellular space, through calcium-independent cell-adhesion activity.

(Microbial infection) Acts as a receptor for hepatitis C virus (HCV) entry into hepatic cells.

Bicellular tight junction assembly Source: GO_Central
Calcium-independent cell-cell adhesion via plasma membrane cell-adhesion molecules Source: UniProtKB
Cell adhesion Source: GO_Central

Cell membrane; Tight junction

Cytoplasmic: 1-7
Helical: 8-28
Extracellular: 29-81
Helical: 82-102
Cytoplasmic: 103-116
Helical: 117-137
Extracellular: 138-159
Helical: 160-180
Cytoplasmic: 181-217