The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the BCL-2 protein family. BCL-2 family members form hetero- or homodimers and act as anti- and pro-apoptotic regulators that are involved in a wide variety of cellular activities. This protein contains all four BCL-2 like domains (BH1, 2, 3 and 4) and is a pro-apoptotic BCL-2 protein identified in the ovary.

This gene belongs to the DAZ gene family required for germ cell development. It encodes an RNA-binding protein which is more similar to Drosophila Boule than to human proteins encoded by genes DAZ (deleted in azoospermia) or DAZL (deleted in azoospermia-like). Loss of this gene function results in the absence of sperm in semen (azoospermia). Histological studies demonstrated that the primary defect is at the meiotic G2/M transition. Two alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms have been found for this gene.

CDON (MIM 608707) and BOC are cell surface receptors of the immunoglobulin (Ig)/fibronectin type III (FNIII; see MIM 135600) repeat family involved in myogenic differentiation. CDON and BOC are coexpressed during development, form complexes with each other in a cis fashion, and are related to each other in their ectodomains, but each has a unique long cytoplasmic tail.[supplied by OMIM]

plays a role in induction of apoptosis; forms heterodimers with Bcl2-related anti-apoptotic proteins Mcl-1, BHRF1, and Bfl-1 but not with Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Bcl-w [RGD]