Enables identical protein binding activity. Involved in several processes, including modification of postsynaptic actin cytoskeleton; nervous system development; and prepulse inhibition. Located in several cellular components, including adherens junction; basolateral plasma membrane; and postsynaptic density. Is active in several cellular components, including hippocampal mossy fiber to CA3 synapse; parallel fiber to Purkinje cell synapse; and postsynaptic density, intracellular component. Is extrinsic component of postsynaptic membrane and extrinsic component of presynaptic membrane. Is expressed in several structures, including alimentary system; genitourinary system; nervous system; respiratory system; and sensory organ. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in complex cortical dysplasia with other brain malformations. Orthologous to human CTNNA2 (catenin alpha 2).
MGI Description
PHENOTYPE: Animals homozygous for a mutation of this gene exhibit ataxia, reduced body weight, reduced male fertility, and abnormalities of the brain which include a hypoplastic cerebellum, abnormal foliation pattern, ectopic Purkinje cells, and abnormal pyramidal cells in the hippocampus. [provided by MGI curators]