Beyond the brush border: NHERF4 blazes new NHERF turf

The Na exchanger regulatory factor (NHERF) family of epithelial-enriched PDZ domain scaffolding proteins plays important roles in maintaining and regulating epithelial cell function. The NHERFs exhibit some overlap in tissue distribution and binding partners, suggesting redundant functions. Yet, it is clear that each NHERF protein exhibits distinct properties, translating into unique cellular functions. The work summarized in this review suggests the most recently identified family member, NHERF4, is the most divergent. Additional investigation is needed, however, to understand more completely the role of NHERF4 in the context of the NHERF family.