This gene encodes a protein related to the Lon protease protein family. In rodents and other mammals this gene product is found in the cytoplasm localized with a calcium channel membrane protein, and is thought to play a role in brain development. Mutations in this gene are associated with autosomal recessive nonsyndromic mental retardation. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Mar 2010]