The protein encoded by this gene shares 22% sequence identity with Hemophilus influenzae xylulokinase, and even higher identity to other gene products in C.elegans (45%) and yeast (31-35%), which are thought to belong to a family of enzymes that include fucokinase, gluconokinase, glycerokinase and xylulokinase. These proteins play important roles in energy metabolism. Multiple transcripts resulting from use of alternate polyadenylation sites have been noted for this gene. [provided by RefSeq]