BIVM (for basic, immunoglobulin like variable motif containing) refers to a recently identified gene product that maps to human chromosome 13q32-q33 and is predicted to encode a 503 amino acid protein. BIVM shows ubiquitous expression in normal human tissue and the presence of a 5' CpG island suggests it is a housekeeping gene. BIVM is likely essential for some aspect of basic cellular function. BIVM is highly charged and localizes to the cytoplasm and nucleus where it may bind to either DNA or RNA or associate with other cellular proteins. Significant sequence homology exists with many organisms.