Enables protein-membrane adaptor activity. Involved in several processes, including R8 cell differentiation; germ cell development; and meiotic nuclear division. Located in several cellular components, including Nebenkern; apicomedial cortex; and subapical part of cell. Part of Kibra-Ex-Mer complex. Is active in cytoplasmic side of apical plasma membrane. Colocalizes with cell-cell junction. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in gastrointestinal system cancer (multiple); malignant pleural mesothelioma; meningioma (multiple); neurilemmoma; and vestibular schwannomatosis. Orthologous to human NF2 (NF2, moesin-ezrin-radixin like (MERLIN) tumor suppressor).
FB Description
Merlin (Mer) encodes a FERM domain containing protein that promotes assembly of a functional Hippo signaling complex at the apical cell cortex. It has also been associated with cell junctions and endocytic compartments.