Multifunctional adapter protein involved in diverse array of functions including trafficking of transmembrane proteins, neuro and immunomodulation, exosome biogenesis, and tumorigenesis (PubMed:26291527). Positively regulates TGFB1-mediated SMAD2/3 activation and TGFB1-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell migration in various cell types. May increase TGFB1 signaling by enhancing cell-surface expression of TGFR1 by preventing the interaction between TGFR1 and CAV1 and subsequent CAV1-dependent internalization and degradation of TGFR1 (PubMed:25893292). In concert with SDC1/4 and PDCD6IP, regulates exosome biogenesis (PubMed:22660413). Regulates migration, growth, proliferation, and cell cycle progression in a variety of cancer types (PubMed:26539120). In adherens junctions may function to couple syndecans to cytoskeletal proteins or signaling components. Seems to couple transcription factor SOX4 to the IL-5 receptor (IL5RA) (PubMed:11498591). May also play a role in vesicular trafficking (PubMed:11179419). Seems to be required for the targeting of TGFA to the cell surface in the early secretory pathway (PubMed:10230395).
