Background
This gene encodes a member of the STAT-induced STAT inhibitor (SSI), also known as suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS), family. SSI family members are cytokine-inducible negative regulators of cytokine signaling. The expression of this gene can be induced by a subset of cytokines, including erythropoietin, GM-CSF, IL10 and interferon (IFN)-gamma. The protein encoded by this gene is found to interact with the cytoplasmic domain of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R), and thus is thought to be involved in the regulation of IGF1R mediated cell signaling. Knockout studies in mice also suggested a regulatory role of this gene in IGF-1 related growth control.