This gene encodes a member of the dynein intermediate chain family. The encoded protein is part of the dynein complex in respiratory cilia. The inner- and outer-arm dyneins, which bridge between the doublet microtubules in axonemes, are the force-generating proteins responsible for the sliding movement in axonemes. The intermediate and light chains, thought to form the base of the dynein arm, help mediate attachment and may also participate in regulating dynein activity. Mutations in this gene result in abnormal ciliary ultrastructure and function associated with primary ciliary dyskinesia and Kartagener syndrome. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants.