This gene encodes an endothelial cell-to-cell junction protein. Naturally occurring mutations in this gene are associated with coronary artery disease, late onset alzheimer disease, and emphysema distribution. [provided by RefSeq, Mar 2017] see less This gene encodes an endothelial cell-to-cell junction protein. Naturally occurring mutations in this gene are associated with coronary artery disease, late onset alzheimer disease, and emphysema distribution. [provided by RefSeq, Mar 2017]