The DCAF17 gene, also known as C2ORF37, comprises 520 amino acids and weights about 59 kDa. It encodes a nuclear transmembrane protein, which may functions as a substrate receptor for the CUL4-DDB1 E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase complex. Defects in this protein are the cause of Woodhouse-Sakati syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by hypogonadism, alopecia, diabetes mellitus, mental retardation, and extrapyramidal syndrome.