The protein encoded by this gene is a magnesium or manganese-requiring phosphatase that is involved in several signaling pathways. The encoded protein downregulates apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1, a protein that initiates a signaling cascade that leads to apoptosis when cells are subjected to cytotoxic stresses. This protein also is an endoplasmic reticulum transmembrane protein that helps regulate ceramide transport from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus. Finally, this gene may be involved in adiposity since it is upregulated in adipose tissues. Several transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Dec 2015].