This gene is the central gene in a cluster of three vanin genes on chromosome 6q23-q24. The open reading frame is disrupted by a frameshift, and all splice variants that have been described are candidates for nonsense-mediated decay (NMD). Consequently, it is unlikely that this gene expresses a protein in vivo, so it is classified as a pseudogene. Extensive alternative splicing has been described; the two most common variants are represented as RefSeqs. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2009].
Function: Amidohydrolase that hydrolyzes specifically one of the carboamide linkages in D-pantetheine thus recycling pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and releasing cysteamine.