The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the NALP protein family. Members of the NALP protein family typically contain a NACHT domain, a NACHT-associated domain (NAD), a C-terminal leucine-rich repeat (LRR) region, and an N-terminal pyrin domain (PYD). Expression of this gene is restricted to the oocyte. A mouse gene that encodes a maternal oocyte protein, similar to this encoded protein, is required for normal early embryogenesis. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008].