This intronless gene may be a pseudogene (PMID:11450850). This gene is similar to the multi-exon gene which encodes ataxin 3 and contains a coding region which could encode a protein similar to ataxin 3. Mutations in the gene encoding ataxin 3 are associated with Machado-Joseph disease. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2011] see less This intronless gene may be a pseudogene (PMID:11450850). This gene is similar to the multi-exon gene which encodes ataxin 3 and contains a coding region which could encode a protein similar to ataxin 3. Mutations in the gene encoding ataxin 3 are associated with Machado-Joseph disease. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2011]