Plays an important role in regulating embryonic neurogenesis. During interphase, predominantly cytoplasmic, although some nuclear staining in several tumor cell contexts. During prophase, observed at developing centrosomes. Displays persistent localization with centrosomally radiating microtubule bundles until late telophase. Associates with spindle poles particularly during metaphase and anaphase before relocating back to the cytoplasm. Expressed in brain. Tends to be down-regulated in astrocytic gliomas due to promoter methylation. Methylation occurs early in gliomagenesis and the extent of methylation parallels with higher glioma grades, so that methylation is observed in close to 70% WHO grade IV primary glioblastomas, but not in grade I astrocytomas.