Via its association with the multisubunit axonemal dynein complex, is potentially involved in the regulation of cilia function (PubMed:30060180). May also act as a cell cycle regulator (PubMed:17974961). Part of the multisubunit axonemal dynein complex formed at least of two heavy chains and a number of intermediate and light chains (PubMed:30060180). Interacts with tubulin (PubMed:17974961). Associates with microtubule (PubMed:17974961). Colocalizes with microtubules in interphase. High expressed in lung, kidney, and testis. Cell cycle-dependent expression. Not detected in G0 cells, starts to accumulate in early S phase, reaches the highest level in the G2 phase, and drops to very low levels at mitosis. Ubiquitinated. Ubiquitination leads to its degradation through the 26S proteasome. Ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated DNAI7 degradation occurs in mitosis. Deficient mice display a higher susceptibility to chemical induction of lung tumors. Belongs to the DNAI7 family.