This gene encodes a member of the doublecortin family, a cytoplasmic protein with two doublecortin domains that bind microtubules. The protein regulates neuronal migration by organizing and stabilizing microtubules in the developing cortex. It interacts with LIS1, a regulatory subunit of platelet activating factor acetylhydrolase, which is crucial for proper microtubule function. Mutations in this gene disrupt neuronal migration, affecting cortex layering and causing epilepsy, cognitive disability, subcortical band heterotopia ("double cortex" syndrome) in females, and lissencephaly ("smooth brain" syndrome) in males. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been identified.