Background:
This gene encodes a member of the oxysterol-binding protein (OSBP) family, a group of intracellular lipid receptors that play a key role in the maintenance of cholesterol balance in the body. Most members contain an N-terminal pleckstrin homology domain and a highly conserved C-terminal OSBP-like sterol-binding domain. This gene has been shown to be imprinted, with preferential expression from the maternal allele only in placenta. Transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been identified.