CLDN9

CLDN9

A gene on chromosome 16p13.3 that encodes claudin-9, an integral membrane protein of the claudin family, the members of which form a physical barrier that prevents solutes and water from passing freely into the interstitial space between epithelial or endothelial cell sheets, and play critical roles in maintaining cell polarity and signal transduction.
Molecular pathology
Claudin-9 is a co-factor for entry of hepatitis C virus; CLDN9 is required for sensory cells in auditory canal; deficiency is associated with deafness.