PALS1 Chromosome 14

This gene encodes a member of the p55-like subfamily of the membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) gene superfamily. The encoded protein participates in the polarization of differentiating cells, has been shown to regulate myelinating Schwann cells (PMID: 20237282), and is one of the components of the Crumbs complex in the retina. Mice which express lower levels of the orthologous protein have retinal degeneration and impaired vision (PMID: 22114289). Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Feb 2012]