The protein encoded by this gene is a highly conserved, calcium-binding protein, that is preferentially expressed in the liver and kidney. It may have an important role in calcium homeostasis. Studies in rat indicate that this protein may also play a role in aging, as it shows age-associated down-regulation. This gene is part of a gene cluster on chromosome Xp11.3-Xp11.23. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2013]
Forensic Context
A study in the forensically important blow fly *Lucilia sericata* demonstrated that the RGN is a molecular marker for intra-puparial age estimation, with its expression first declining until day 4 of development before increasing to surpass prepupal levels [Pereira et al. DOI:10.1007/s00414-025-03537-8].