Chloride intracellular channel (CLIC) is a family of proteins encoded by six different genes (CLIC1-6).nThe localization of the various CLIC channels remains elusive and controversial since they can be either found in a soluble form in the cytoplasm or as integral membrane proteins (in intracellular compartments such as the nuclear membrane or the endoplasmic reticulum for example, or associate to the plasma membrane) via their single transmembrane domain.nWhen membrane associated, CLIC channels indeed function as ion channels (enabling the passage of Cl- ions).nNon-channel functions are also attributed to CLICs and include cell cycle regulation, cell differentiation, and apoptosis. These different roles depend whether CLICs are membrane bound or cytosolic.nCLIC1, which was first identified in nuclear membranes, is detected in the epithelia of airways, the gall bladder, pancreas, stomach, small intestine and colon. CLIC1 was also found to be expressed in the endothelium where it plays a role in cell growth and migration.