This gene encodes a type I membrane protein with a carbohydrate recognition domain characteristic of C-type lectins in its extracellular portion. In other proteins, this domain is involved in endocytosis of glycoproteins and exogenous sugar-bearing pathogens. This protein localizes predominantly to the perinuclear region. Several transcript variants encoding a few different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Feb 2011]