The cytoplasmic peripheral membrane protein encoded by this gene functions as a protein-tyrosine kinase substrate in microvilli. As a member of the ERM protein family, this protein serves as an intermediate between the plasma membrane and the actin cytoskeleton. This protein plays a key role in cell surface structure adhesion, migration and organization, and it has been implicated in various human cancers. A pseudogene located on chromosome 3 has been identified for this gene. Alternatively spliced variants have also been described for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]
Forensic Context
A study in humans analyzing pericontusional brain tissue from traumatic brain injury patients via cDNA microarray demonstrated that the EZR mRNA was up-regulated by 53% in a patient with cerebral infarction and by 93% in a TBI patient [Michael et al. DOI:10.1016/j.jocn.2004.11.003].