This gene encodes a small protein that has no known functional domains. Mutations in this gene are a cause of X-linked deafness-4, and the encoded protein may play a role in the maintenance of inner ear cells subjected to mechanical stress. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been observed for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Dec 2011] see less This gene encodes a small protein that has no known functional domains. Mutations in this gene are a cause of X-linked deafness-4, and the encoded protein may play a role in the maintenance of inner ear cells subjected to mechanical stress. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been observed for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Dec 2011]