This gene encodes a phosphoprotein which moves between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. The gene product is thought to be involved in several processes including regulation of the ARF/p53 pathway. A number of genes are fusion partners have been characterized, in particular the anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene on chromosome 2. Mutations in this gene are associated with acute myeloid leukemia. More than a dozen pseudogenes of this gene have been identified. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants.