This gene encodes a predicted transmembrane protein containing two extracellular CUB domains followed by a low-density lipoprotein class A (LDLa) domain. A similar gene in rats encodes a protein that modulates glutamate signaling in the brain by regulating kainate receptor function. Expression of this gene may be a biomarker for proliferating infantile hemangiomas. A pseudogene of this gene is located on the long arm of chromosome 8. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding multiple isoforms have been observed for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Jan 2011].
Function: Accessory subunit of neuronal kainate-sensitive glutamate receptors, GRIK2 and GRIK3. Increases kainate-receptor channel activity, slowing the decay kinetics of the receptors, without affecting their expression at the cell surface, and increasing the open probability of the receptor channels. Modulates the agonist sensitivity of kainate receptors. Slows the decay of kainate receptor-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs), thus directly influencing synaptic transmission (By similarity).