This gene is located on the long arm of chromosome 4 in a region that is associated with susceptibility to celiac disease. The encoded protein is similar to a Chinese hamster protein that is associated with spermatocyte and adipocyte differentiation. The C-terminus of the protein is also similar to a Caenorhabditis elegans protein that plays a role in lipid storage. In mammals, this protein is thought to function in the regulation of epithelial growth and differentiation, and in tumor development. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2009].