This gene encodes a transmembrane sialomucin and cell adhesion molecule that regulates the proliferation, adhesion and migration of hematopoietic progenitor cells. The encoded protein also interacts with the C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 and may regulate muscle development. Elevated expression of this gene has been observed in human patients with Sezary syndrome, a type of blood cancer, and a mutation in this gene may be associated with impaired hearing. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2016].