par-3 encodes a PDZ domain-containing protein orthologous to mammalian atypical PKC isotype-specific interacting protein (ASIP) and Drosophila Bazooka; PAR-3 is required maternally for polarization of the zygote along the anterior-posterior (A-P) axis; PAR-3, PAR-6, and PKC-3 form a complex that localizes to the anterior cytoplasmic cortex of the one- and two-cell embryo; this localization is regulated spatially by PAR-2, which segregates to the posterior cortex.
Predicted to enable phosphatidylinositol binding activity. Involved in several processes, including establishment of mitotic spindle orientation; gonad development; and polarity specification of anterior/posterior axis. Located in several cellular components, including P granule; basal part of cell; and cell cortex. Is extrinsic component of cytoplasmic side of plasma membrane. Expressed in several structures, including AB; Psub1; excretory cell; hermaphrodite gonad; and vulval cell. Is an ortholog of human PARD3B (par-3 family cell polarity regulator beta).