This gene is a member of the BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kd-interacting protein (BNIP) family. Though the specific function is unknown, it interacts with the E1B 19 kDa protein which is responsible for the protection of virally-induced cell death, as well as E1B 19 kDa-like sequences of BCL2, also an apoptotic protector.
