Plays a critical role in epithelial cell morphogenesis, polarity, adhesion and cytoskeletal organization in the lens (PubMed:26231217). Detected in tricellular junctions. Colocalizes with apical F-actin. A chromosomal translocation involving SIPA1L3 is found in a patient with bilateral severe ocular abnormalities including congenital cataracts, corneal clouding, iridocorneal and lenticular adhesions and microphthalmia. Chromosomal translocation t(2;19)(q37.3;q13.1). In addition to translocation, missense variant has been found in patient with bilateral congenital cataracts (PubMed:26231217). The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.