This gene is located within the Smith-Magenis syndrome region on chromosome 17. It is highly similar to its mouse counterpart and is expressed at high levels mainly in neuronal tissues. The protein encoded by this gene includes a polymorphic polyglutamine tract in the N-terminal domain. Expression of the mouse counterpart in neurons is induced by retinoic acid. This gene is associated with both the severity of the phenotype and the response to medication in schizophrenic patients. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]