Acts as one of several non-catalytic accessory components of the cytoplasmic dynein 1 complex that are thought to be involved in linking dynein to cargos and to adapter proteins that regulate dynein function. Cytoplasmic dynein 1 acts as a motor for the intracellular retrograde motility of vesicles and organelles along microtubules. The intermediate chains mediate the help dynein bind to dynactin 150 kDa component (By similarity). Homodimer. The cytoplasmic dynein 1 complex consists of two catalytic heavy chains (HCs) and a number of non-catalytic subunits presented by intermediate chains (ICs), light intermediate chains (LICs) and light chains (LCs). Aggregates in cytoplasm around lysosomes. Aggregates in cytoplasm around the nucleus. Aggregates in cytoplasm around the nucleus. High levels of isoform 1b, isoform 1c, isoform 3a and isoform 4 accumulate in early egg chambers and at stage 9 become concentrated at the posterior of the oocyte. Isoform 5a and isoform 5b are highly expressed in adult head and to a lesser extent in adult torso. Isoform 1a, isoform 2a and isoform 2b are found in all tissues examined, including ovaries, midgut, torso and head. Expressed both maternally and zygotically. Abundant in embryos and adults, low levels in larva and pupae. Isoform 1a, isoform 2a and isoform 2b are constitutively expressed at high levels and isoform 2c at low levels in embryos and adults. Belongs to the dynein intermediate chain family.