This gene encodes a large cytoplasmic dynein protein that is involved in retrograde transport in the cilium and has a role in intraflagellar transport, a process required for ciliary/flagellar assembly. Mutations in this gene cause a heterogeneous spectrum of conditions related to altered primary cilium function and often involve polydactyly, abnormal skeletogenesis, and polycystic kidneys. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants encoding distinct proteins.