The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the Kank family of proteins, which contain multiple ankyrin repeat domains. This family member functions in cytoskeleton formation by regulating actin polymerization. This gene is a candidate tumor suppressor for renal cell carcinoma. Mutations in this gene cause cerebral palsy spastic quadriplegic type 2, a central nervous system development disorder. A t(5;9) translocation results in fusion of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta gene (PDGFRB) on chromosome 5 with this gene in a myeloproliferative neoplasm featuring severe thrombocythemia. Alternative splicing of this gene results in multiple transcript variants. A related pseudogene has been identified on chromosome 20.