The function of ENSG00000113946 (CLDN16, claudin 16) is as follows. Forms paracellular channels: coassembles with CLDN19 into tight junction strands with cation-selective channels through the strands, conveying epithelial permeability in a process known as paracellular tight junction permeability (PubMed:16234325, PubMed:18188451, PubMed:28028216). Involved in the maintenance of ion gradients along the nephron. In the thick ascending limb (TAL) of Henle's loop, facilitates sodium paracellular permeability from the interstitial compartment to the lumen, contributing to the lumen- positive transepithelial potential that drives paracellular magnesium and calcium reabsorption (PubMed:10390358, PubMed:11518780, PubMed:14628289, PubMed:16528408, PubMed:28028216). {ECO:0000269|PubMed:10390358, ECO:0000269|PubMed:11518780, ECO:0000269|PubMed:14628289, ECO:0000269|PubMed:16234325, ECO:0000269|PubMed:16528408, ECO:0000269|PubMed:18188451, ECO:0000269|PubMed:28028216}.