The protein encoded by this gene is a peripheral membrane protein which recycles between the cytosol and the Golgi apparatus during interphase. It is regulated by phosphorylation: dephosphorylated protein associates with the Golgi membrane and dissociates from the membrane upon phosphorylation. Ras-associated protein 1 recruits this protein to coat protein complex II (COPII) vesicles during budding from the endoplasmic reticulum, where it interacts with a set of COPII vesicle-associated SNAREs to form a cis-SNARE complex that promotes targeting to the Golgi apparatus. Transport from the ER to the cis/medial Golgi compartments requires the action of this gene product, GM130 and giantin in a sequential manner.