The protein encoded by this gene is a transformation and shape-change sensitive actin cross-linking/gelling protein found in fibroblasts and smooth muscle. Its expression is down-regulated in many cell lines, and this down-regulation may be an early and sensitive marker for the onset of transformation. A functional role of this protein is unclear. Two transcript variants encoding the same protein have been found for this gene.[7]
^"Human PubMed Reference:". National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
^"Mouse PubMed Reference:". National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
^Kobayashi R, Kubota T, Hidaka H (Mar 1994). "Purification, characterization, and partial sequence analysis of a new 25-kDa actin-binding protein from bovine aorta: a SM22 homolog". Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 198 (3): 1275–80. doi:10.1006/bbrc.1994.1180. PMID8117285.
^Thweatt R, Lumpkin CK Jr, Goldstein S (Oct 1992). "A novel gene encoding a smooth muscle protein is overexpressed in senescent human fibroblasts". Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 187 (1): 1–7. doi:10.1016/S0006-291X(05)81449-4. PMID1520290.