Dyneins are multi-subunit, high molecular weight ATPases that interact with microtubules to generate force by converting the chemical energy of ATP into the mechanical energy of movement. Cytoplasmic or axonemal dynein heavy, intermediate, light and light-intermediate chains are all components of minus end-directed motors. Dynein complexes transport cellular cargos toward the central region of the cell. Containing one to three non-identical heavy chains, axonemal dynein motors cause a sliding of microtubules in the axonemes of cilia and flagella in a mechanism necessary for cilia movement and cell propulsion. DNAL1 (dynein light chain 1, axonemal), also known as MGC12435 or C14orf168, is a 190 amino acid member of the dynein light chain LC1-type protein family. Containing four leucine-rich repeats, DNAL1 interacts directly with DNAH5. DNAL1 is expressed in testis and other tissues carrying motile cilia.