This gene encodes a membrane protein thought to play a role in bone mineralization. This gene is located on chromosome 11 in a cluster of related genes which are induced by interferon, however, this gene has not been shown to be interferon inducible. A similar gene, located in a gene cluster on mouse chromosome 7, is a member of the interferon-inducible fragilis gene family. The mouse gene encodes a transmembrane protein described as participating in germ cell competence. A mutation in the 5' UTR of this gene has been associated with osteogenesis imperfecta type V. [From RefSeq]