The protein encoded by this gene is part of the SMN complex, which is necessary for spliceosomal snRNP assembly in the cytoplasm and pre-mRNA splicing in the nucleus. The encoded protein binds to both SMN1 and the GEMIN6/GEMIN7 heterodimer, mediating their interaction. This protein is found in nuclear Gemini of Cajal bodies (gems) and in the cytoplasm. Three transcript variants encoding the same protein have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, May 2010].