This gene encodes a member of the barr gene family and a regulatory subunit of the condensin complex. This complex is required for the conversion of interphase chromatin into condensed chromosomes. The protein encoded by this gene is associated with mitotic chromosomes, except during the early phase of chromosome condensation. During interphase, the protein has a distinct punctate nucleolar localization. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different proteins have been described. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2013].