This gene encodes a small protein that is localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and may play a role in the ER stress response by mediating cell differentiation and apoptosis. Transcription of this gene is regulated by tumor necrosis factor alpha and specificity protein 1 (Sp1). Mutations in this gene may play a role in microcephaly, epilepsy, and diabetes syndrome (MEDS), and a pseudogene of this gene is located on the long arm of chromosome 12. [provided by RefSeq, Dec 2011].