This gene encodes a globin protein found in vertebrate cells. The encoded protein is described as a hexacoordinate hemoglobin which binds ligand differently from the pentacoordinate hemoglobins involved in oxygen transport, and may be involved in protection during oxidative stress. This gene is located on chromosome 17 in the same region as a retinal gene which is mutated in progressive rod-cone degeneration, but in the opposite orientation. [provided by RefSeq, Jan 2012].