Function: Probably involved in connections of major cytoskeletal structures to the plasma membrane. In epithelial cells, required for the formation of microvilli and membrane ruffles on the apical pole. Along with PLEKHG6, required for normal macropinocytosis. Tissue specificity: Expressed in cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, hippocampus, hypophysis, and optic nerve. Weakly expressed in brain stem and diencephalon. Stronger expression was detected in gray matter of frontal lobe compared to white matter (at protein level). Component of the microvilli of intestinal epithelial cells. Preferentially expressed in astrocytes of hippocampus, frontal cortex, thalamus, parahippocampal cortex, amygdala, insula, and corpus callosum. Not detected in neurons in most tissues studied. Similarity: Contains 1 FERM domain. Developmental stage: Very strong staining is detected in the Purkinje cell layer and in part of the molecular layer of the infant brain compared to adult brain. PTM: Phosphorylated by tyrosine-protein kinases.