In the developing cortex, cortical neurons must migrate over long distances to reach the site of their final differentiation. The protein encoded by this gene is a cytoplasmic protein which appears to direct neuronal migration by regulating the organization and stability of microtubules. The encoded protein contains two doublecortin domains, which bind microtubules. In addition, the encoded protein interacts with LIS1, the regulatory gamma subunit of platelet activating factor acetylhydrolase, and this interaction is important to proper microtubule function in the developing cortex. Mutations in this gene are a cause of X-linked lissencephaly. Multiple transcript variants encoding at least three different isoforms have been found for this gene.