This gene encodes a member of the IML1 family of proteins involved in G-protein signaling pathways. The mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway regulates cell growth by sensing the availability of nutrients. The protein encoded by this gene is a component of the GATOR1 (GAP activity toward Rags) complex which inhibits the amino acid-sensing branch of the mTORC1 pathway. Mutations in this gene are associated with autosomal dominant familial focal epilepsy with variable foci. A single nucleotide polymorphism in an intron of this gene has been associated with an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in individuals with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Mar 2014].