The protein encoded by this gene functions together with
DNA ligase IV and the DNA-dependent protein kinase in the repair of
DNA double-strand break by non-homologous end joining and the
completion of V(D)J recombination events. The non-homologous
end-joining pathway is required both for normal development and for
suppression of tumors. This gene functionally complements XR-1
Chinese hamster ovary cell mutant, which is impaired in DNA
double-strand breaks produced by ionizing radiation and restriction
enzymes. Alternative transcription initiation and alternative
splicing generates several transcript variants. [provided by
RefSeq].
