The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the selenoprotein K family. It is a transmembrane protein that is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and is involved in ER-associated degradation (ERAD) of misfolded, glycosylated proteins. It also has a role in the protection of cells from ER stress-induced apoptosis. Knockout studies in mice show the importance of this gene in promoting Ca(2+) flux in immune cells and mounting effective immune response. This protein is a selenoprotein, containing the rare amino acid selenocysteine (Sec). Sec is encoded by the UGA codon, which normally signals translation termination. The 3' UTRs of selenoprotein mRNAs contain a conserved stem-loop structure, designated the Sec insertion sequence (SECIS) element, that is necessary for the recognition of UGA as a Sec codon, rather than as a stop signal. Pseudogenes of this locus have been identified on chromosomes 6 and 19.

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