Background:
This gene encodes a member of the hepatoma-derived growth factor family. The encoded protein has mitogenic and DNA-binding activity and may play a role in cellular proliferation and differentiation. High levels of expression of this gene enhance the growth of many tumors. This gene was thought initially to be located on chromosome X; however, that location has been determined to correspond to a related pseudogene. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms have been described.