The function of ENSG00000132849 (PATJ, PATJ crumbs cell polarity complex component) is as follows. Scaffolding protein that facilitates the localization of proteins to the cell membrane (PubMed:11927608, PubMed:16678097, PubMed:22006950). Required for the correct formation of tight junctions and epithelial apico-basal polarity (PubMed:11927608, PubMed:16678097). Acts (via its L27 domain) as an apical connector and elongation factor for multistranded TJP1/ZO1 condensates that form a tight junction belt, thereby required for the formation of the tight junction-mediated cell barrier (By similarity). Positively regulates epithelial cell microtubule elongation and cell migration, possibly via facilitating localization of PRKCI/aPKC and PAR3D/PAR3 at the leading edge of migrating cells (By similarity). Plays a role in the correct reorientation of the microtubule-organizing center during epithelial migration (By similarity). May regulate the surface expression and/or function of ASIC3 in sensory neurons (By similarity). May recruit ARHGEF18 to apical cell-cell boundaries (PubMed:22006950). {ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:E2QYC9, ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:Q63ZW7, ECO:0000269|PubMed:11927608, ECO:0000269|PubMed:16678097, ECO:0000269|PubMed:22006950}.