Implicated in development of the cochlea. Interacts (via SIM domains) with SUMO1 and SUMO2. Present at 14.5 dpc throughout the developing brain, with high expression in the cortical plate. During postnatal development, detected in all neurons, with an intense expression in the limbic system, with highest levels throughout layer V neurons in the cortex, the hippocampus, the pyriform cortex, the dorsomedial nucleus of the thalamus, the amygdala, and the hypothalamus. Cortical expression is strong throughout development, with no clear dorsoventral or rostrocaudal gradient, highest levels at P10 in layers II/III and V and in the subplate. Relatively strong expression in the mitral cells layer and anterior olfactory bulb, as well as in the Purkinje cell layer in the cerebellum. Expression in the limbic system postnatally corresponds to the time window of active synaptogenesis. Belongs to the SOBP family.