The pat-4 gene encodes a serine/threonine kinase orthologous to human integrin-linked kinase (ILK, OMIM:602366) and is required for formation of integrin-mediated muscle cell attachments during embryogenesis; PAT-4 probably functions as an adaptor molecule and localizes to dense bodies and M lines; PAT-4 forms a ternary complex with PAT-6/actopaxin and UNC-112, and requires UNC-112, UNC-52/perlecan, PAT-2/alpha integrin, and PAT-3/beta integrin for proper localization to newly forming integrin adhesion complexes.
Enables integrin binding activity and protein-macromolecule adaptor activity. Involved in several processes, including integrin-mediated signaling pathway; organelle organization; and positive regulation of supramolecular fiber organization. Located in adherens junction; basal plasma membrane; and contractile fiber. Part of integrin complex. Expressed in body wall musculature; gonad; non-striated muscle; pharynx; and touch receptor neurons. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in ovarian cancer; pancreatic cancer; and prostate adenocarcinoma. Is an ortholog of human ILK (integrin linked kinase).