The protein encoded by SYTL5 belongs to the synaptotagmin-like (Slp) protein family, which contains a unique homology domain at the N-terminus, referred to as the Slp homology domain (SHD). The SHD functions as a binding site for Rab27A, which plays a role in protein transport. Expression of SYTL5 is restricted to placenta and liver, suggesting that it might be involved in Rab27A-dependent membrane trafficking in specific tissues. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for SYTL5.