[5][6] The product of this gene is part of the SMN protein complex localized to the cytoplasm, nucleoli, and to discrete nuclear bodies called Gemini bodies (gems).

The complex functions in spliceosomal snRNP assembly in the cytoplasm, and regenerates spliceosomes required for pre-mRNA splicing in the nucleus.

The encoded protein directly interacts with a DEAD box protein and several spliceosome core proteins.

Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been described, but their biological validity has not been determined.

This article on a gene on human chromosome 17 is a stub.