This gene is a paralog of SMN1 gene, which encodes the survival motor neuron protein, mutations in which are cause of autosomal recessive proximal spinal muscular atrophy. The protein encoded by this gene is a nuclear protein that has been identified as a constituent of the spliceosome complex. This gene is differentially expressed, with abundant levels in skeletal muscle, and may share similar cellular function as the SMN1 gene. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008].