This gene belongs to the dynein family, whose members encode large proteins that are constituents of the microtubule-associated motor protein complex. This complex is composed of dynein heavy, intermediate and light chains, which can be axonemal or cytoplasmic. This protein is an axonemal dynein heavy chain. It is involved in producing force for ciliary beating by using energy from ATP hydrolysis. Mutations in this gene may cause primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) as well as heterotaxy.