The LAG1 gene encodes a protein that has sequence similarity to yeast longevity assurance gene 1. Mutation or overexpression of the related gene in yeast has been shown to alter yeast lifespan. Expression of LASS2 in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines suppresses the growth of cancer cells.The human protein may play a role in the regulation of cell growth. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding the same protein have been described.