Required for the development and function of the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN), a part of the thalamus that is critical for thalamocortical transmission, generation of sleep rhythms, sensorimotor processing and attention. Broadly expressed in the brain (PubMed:20844286). Selectively expressed in the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) in early development and continues to be enriched in this structure throughout adult life (PubMed:27007844). Widely expressed in the developing brain from 9.5 day post coitum (dpc) to postnatal day 1 (P1) (PubMed:20844286). Specifically expressed in the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) at birth. Expressed in the striatum, cortex and cerebellum by P15 onwards (PubMed:27007844). Mice show decreased spindles and sleep fragmentation, learning defects, hyper-aggressive behavior and motor defects. Selective deletion in the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) leads to attention deficits and hyperactivity. Defects are probably due to dcreased TRN activity through mechanisms involving small conductance calcium-dependent potassium currents (SK). Belongs to the patched family.