Rho GTPase-activating protein involved in the maintenance of tight junction by regulating the activity of CDC42, thereby playing a central role in apical polarity of epithelial cells. Specifically acts as a GTPase activator for the CDC42 GTPase by converting it to an inactive GDP-bound state. The complex formed with AMOT acts by regulating the uptake of polarity proteins at tight junctions, possibly by deciding whether tight junction transmembrane proteins are recycled back to the plasma membrane or sent elsewhere. Participates in the Ca(2+)-dependent regulation of exocytosis, possibly by catalyzing GTPase activity of Rho family proteins and by inducing the reorganization of the cortical actin filaments. Acts as a GTPase activator in vitro for RAC1 (By similarity). Component of a complex whose core is composed of ARHGAP17, AMOT, PALS1, PATJ and PARD3/PAR3. Interacts with SLC9A3R1, FNBP1, TRIP10, CAPZA (CAPZA1, CAPZA2 or CAPZA3), CAPZB, CD2AP and SH3KBP1/CIN85 (By similarity). Associates with membranes and concentrates at sites of cell-cell contact. The BAR domain mediates the interaction with the coiled coil domain of AMOT, leading to its recruitment to tight junctions.