May be involved in the regulation of cilia function. Part of the multisubunit axonemal dynein complex formed at least of two heavy chains and a number of intermediate and light chains. Expressed maternally and throughout early developmental stages. Morpholino knockdown of the protein results in a ciliopathy like body curvature. Morphant embryos show a reduction and dis-organization of floor plate motile cilia and a significant reduction in primary cilia of the dorsal neural tube. No severe brain abnormalities is observed.