This gene encodes a member of the sialomucin protein
family. The encoded protein was originally identified as an
important component of glomerular podocytes. Podocytes are highly
differentiated epithelial cells with interdigitating foot processes
covering the outer aspect of the glomerular basement membrane.
Other biological activities of the encoded protein include: binding
in a membrane protein complex with Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory
factor to intracellular cytoskeletal elements, playing a role in
hematopoetic cell differentiation, and being expressed in vascular
endothelium cells and binding to L-selectin.
