This gene encodes mevalonate kinase, a key enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of cholesterol and non-sterol isoprenes. The complete lack of encoded protein is lethal to mouse embryos. Mice lacking one allele of this gene exhibit increased levels of mevalonate in spleen, heart and kidney, as well as increased levels of serum immunoglobulins A and D. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms.
