This gene encodes a protein containing multiple ankyrin repeats and a SAM domain. It is thought that this protein may localize to the proximal region of the primary cilium, and may play a role in renal and cardiovascular development. Mutations in this gene have been shown to cause a form of nephronophthisis (NPHP16), a chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2015].