Species Human Entrez 11045 | Human Mouse Ensembl ENSG00000105668 | |
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Aliases UPK1A, TSPAN21, UP1A, UPIA, UPKA, uroplakin 1A External IDs MGI: 98911 HomoloGene: 21383 GeneCards: UPK1A |
Uroplakin-1a is a protein that in humans is encoded by the UPK1A gene.
The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the transmembrane 4 superfamily, also known as the tetraspanin family. Most of these members are cell-surface proteins that are characterized by the presence of four hydrophobic domains. The proteins mediate signal transduction events that play a role in the regulation of cell development, activation, growth and motility. This encoded protein is found in the asymmetrical unit membrane (AUM) where it can complex with other transmembrane 4 superfamily proteins. It may play a role in normal bladder epithelial physiology, possibly in regulating membrane permeability of superficial umbrella cells or in stabilizing the apical membrane through AUM/cytoskeletal interactions.