This gene encodes a member of the E1-like ubiquitin-activating enzyme family. This protein activates ubiquitin-fold modifier 1, a ubiquitin-like post-translational modifier protein, via the formation of a high-energy thioester bond. Two alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms have been found for this gene. A pseudogene located on chromosome 1 has also been identified. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]