The TMEM138 gene encodes a protein with multiple transmembrane domains that is expressed in various tissues and involved in regulating biological processes. While its exact cellular localization and function are not fully understood, studies suggest it may impact neural development and disease occurrence by influencing intracellular signal transduction pathways, cytoskeleton dynamics, and membrane protein transport mechanisms. Tmem138 and Tmem216 are arranged in a head-to-tail configuration on human chromosome 11 and mouse chromosome 19, sharing intergenic regulatory elements . Tmem138 is localized at the ciliary base and axoneme, while Tmem216 is primarily in the BBs in IMCD3 cells . (PMID: 35394880,PMID: 40432436)