The deduced protein contains an N-terminal SAM domain. Database analysis indicated that SAMD9L can undergo alternative splicing leading to an alternative coding region. PCR analysis detected SAMD9L in all adult and fetal human tissues examined except some tumor tissues. Orthologs of SAMD9L were detected in all mammals examined but not in chicken, frog, or fish species. Widely expressed in adult and fetal tissues. Variable expression in tumors. Down-regulated in breast cancer.