This gene encodes a ubiquitously expressed protein that localizes to the cytoplasm. This protein interacts with Bardet-Biedl Syndrome (BBS) proteins and, through its interaction with BBS protein complexes, regulates protein trafficking to the ciliary membrane. Nonsense mutations in this gene cause a form of Bardet-Biedl Syndrome\; a ciliopathy characterized in part by polydactyly, obesity, cognitive impairment, hypogonadism, and kidney failure. This gene may also function as a tumor suppressor\; possibly by interacting with E-cadherin and the actin cytoskeleton and thereby regulating the transition of epithelial cells to mesenchymal cells. Alternative splicing of this gene results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Feb 2013].
Seo, Zhang, Bugge, Breslow, Searby, Nachury, Sheffield: "A novel protein LZTFL1 regulates ciliary trafficking of the BBSome and Smoothened." in: PLoS genetics, Vol. 7, Issue 11, pp. e1002358, (2011) (PubMed).
Sakurai, Ogasawara, Kizaki, Ishibashi, Fujiwara, Akagawa, Izawa, Oh-ishi, Haga, Ohno: "Involvement of leucine zipper transcription factor-like protein 1 (Lztfl1) in the attenuation of cognitive impairment by exercise training." in: Biochemical and biophysical research communications, Vol. 416, Issue 1-2, pp. 125-9, (2011) (PubMed).