This gene encodes a protein that phosphorylates carbohydrates such as ribulose, ribitol, and L-arabinitol. Genome-wide association studies in some populations have found an association between polymorphisms in this gene and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, but studies of other populations have not been able to replicate this association. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, May 2013].