This gene encodes a membrane glycoprotein that belongs to the proteolipid protein family. Proteolipid protein family members are expressed in most brain regions and are thought to be involved in cellular housekeeping functions such as membrane trafficking and cell-to-cell communication. This protein may also be involved in osteoblast differentiation. Alternate splicing results in multiple transcript variants. Pseudogenes of this gene are located on chromosomes Y and 22. [provided by RefSeq, Jan 2016]
Forensic Context
A study in humans demonstrated that the GPM6B mRNA was down-regulated by 39% in pericontusional brain tissue from a patient with traumatic brain injury (TBI) compared to control tissue, as identified through cDNA microarray analysis [Michael et al. DOI:10.1016/j.jocn.2004.11.003].