This gene encodes a tethering protein and a core subunit of the homotypic fusion and protein sorting (HOPS) complex. The HOPS complex and a second endosomal tethering complex called the class C core vacuole/endosome tethering (CORVET) complex, perform diverse functions in endocytosis including membrane tethering, RabGTPase interaction, activation and proofreading of synaptic-soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment receptor (SNARE) assembly to drive membrane fusion, and endosome-to-cytoskeleton attachment. The HOPS complex controls endosome maturation as well as endosome traffic to the lysosome. This complex is essential for vacuolar fusion and is required for adaptor protein complex 3-dependent transport from the golgi to the vacuole. The encoded protein belongs to the Sec1/Munc18 (SM) family of SNARE-mediated membrane fusion regulators. Naturally occurring mutations in this gene are associated with a novel mucopolysaccharidosis-like disease.