D52 encodes a 184-amino acid polypeptide that includes a potential glycosylation site and several potential phosphorylation sites. The protein sequence has homology to N-type calcium channels. Northern blot analysis revealed a 3.3-kb D52 transcript in several human tissues and cell lines. D52 was expressed at significant levels in some breast carcinomas but at much lower levels in breast fibroadenomas.

D52 and D53 are coexpressed in some breast cell tumors and cell lines. Northern blot analysis showed that D52 and D53 transcription in breast carcinoma cells is dependent upon estradiol. D52 expression in HL-60 leukemia cells decreased following TPA-induced differentiation.