This gene encodes a highly glycosylated transmembrane protein with a high content of threonine and serine residues in its extracellular domain, similar to a broadly defined category of proteins termed mucins. Exposure of some cell types to anti PORIMIN (pro oncosis receptor inducing membrane injury) antibody, crosslinks this protein on the cell surface and induces a type of cell death termed oncosis. Oncosis is distinct from apoptosis and is characterized by a loss of cell membrane integrity without DNA fragmentation. This gene product is proposed to function as a cell surface receptor that mediates cell death.