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 a cell surface glycoprotein and may have a role in the control of neurite outgrowth. It is known to complex with integrins. This gene is associated with X-linked mental retardation and neuropsychiatric diseases such as Huntingtons chorea, fragile X syndrome and myotonic dystrophy. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008],disease:Defects in TSPAN7 are the cause of mental retardation X-linked type 58 (MRX58) [MIM:300210]. Mental retardation is characterized by significantly sub-average general intellectual functioning associated with impairments in adaptative behavior and manifested during the developmental period. Non-syndromic mental retardation patients do not manifest other clinical signs.,function:May be involved in cell proliferation and cell motility.,similarity:Belongs to the tetraspanin (TM4SF) family.,tissue specificity:Not solely expressed in T-cells. Expressed in acute myelocytic leukemia cells of some patients.,
