This gene encodes a carcinoma-associated antigen and is a
member of a family that includes at least two type I membrane
proteins. This antigen is expressed on most normal epithelial cells
and gastrointestinal carcinomas and functions as a homotypic
calcium-independent cell adhesion molecule. The antigen is being
used as a target for immunotherapy treatment of human carcinomas.
Mutations in this gene result in congenital tufting enteropathy.
