This gene encodes an actin-binding protein that plays a role in cell growth and migration, and in cytokinesis. The encoded protein is thought to regulate actin cytoskeletal dynamics in podocytes, components of the glomerulus. Mutations in this gene are associated with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis 8. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2014].