This gene encodes one of several proteins that are critical in the development of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), as identified in mouse knock-out studies. The encoded protein contains several laminin G, Kazal type serine protease inhibitor, and epidermal growth factor domains. Additional post-translational modifications occur to add glycosaminoglycans and disulfide bonds. In one family with congenital myasthenic syndrome affecting limb-girdle muscles, a mutation in this gene was found. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2011].
Clapcote, Duffy, Xie, Kirshenbaum, Bechard, Rodacker Schack, Petersen, Sinai, Saab, Lerch, Minassian, Ackerley, Sled, Cortez, Henderson, Vilsen, Roder: "Mutation I810N in the alpha3 isoform of Na+,K+-ATPase causes impairments in the sodium pump and hyperexcitability in the CNS." in: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, Vol. 106, Issue 33, pp. 14085-90, (2009) (PubMed).