CLDN18 plays a major role in tight junction-specific obliteration of the intercellular space, through calcium-independent cell-adhesion activity.CLDN18 belongs to the large claudin family of proteins, which form tight junction strands in epithelial cells (Niimi et al., 2001 [PubMed 11585919]).[supplied by OMIM]. Publication Note: This RefSeq record includes a subset of the publications that are available for this gene. Please see the Entrez Gene record to access additional publications. PRIMARYREFSEQ_SPAN PRIMARY_IDENTIFIER PRIMARY_SPAN COMP 1-282 AY358479.1 28-309 283-1864 AK098474.1 274-1855 1865-2307 BM785703.1 143-585 2308-2868 AK098474.1 2297-2857 2869-3359 AY102073.1 394-884