Component of the outer dynein arm-docking complex (ODA-DC) that mediates outer dynein arms (ODA) binding onto the doublet microtubule. Plays an essential role for the assembly of ODA-DC and in the docking of ODA in ciliary axoneme. Required for the docking of the outer dynein arm to cilia, hence plays an essential role in cilia motility. Component of the outer dynein arm-docking complex. In addition to ciliary axonemes, also detected in foci, presumably basal bodies, at the apical cell surface. In the mucociliary epithelium, specifically expressed in ciliated cells. Expressed in the ventral midline of the developing neural plate during neural tube closure. Morpholino knockdown of the protein causes disruption of the neural tube closure (PubMed:17961536). Morphants show defects in ciliogenesis at early stages of embryonic development (PubMed:17961536, PubMed:27486780). More mature multiciliated cells display normal cilium length, but exhibit severe defects in ciliary beating, retaining only a twitching motility, but no organized beating. Outer dynein arms are absent in morphant axonemes (PubMed:27486780). Extended N-terminus.