This gene encodes a cytoplasmic protein that acts as a tumor suppressor but also plays a key role in cell proliferation and the innate immune response to viral infection. The encoded protein contains an N-terminal sterile alpha motif domain. Naturally occurring mutations in this gene are associated with myeloid disorders such as juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and myelodysplastic syndrome. Naturally occurring mutations are also associated with hepatitis-B related hepatocellular carcinoma, normophosphatemic familial tumoral calcinosis, and ataxia-pancytopenia syndrome.