NOL9 is a 702 amino acid protein that resides within the nucleolus. The gene encoding NOL9 maps to human chromosome 1, which spans about 260 million base pairs, making up 8% of the human genome. There are about 3,000 genes on chromosome 1, and considering the great number of genes, there are also a large number of diseases associated with chromosome 1. Notably, the rare aging disease Hutchinson-Gilford progeria is associated with the LMNA gene which encodes lamin A. When defective, the LMNA gene product can build up in the nucleus and cause characteristic nuclear blebs. The mechanism of rapidly enhanced aging is unclear and is a topic of continuing exploration.