HSPB2, also called MKBP, was shown to bind and activate myotonic dystrophy protein kinase in the yeast two-hybrid system. The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the superfamily of small heat-shock proteins containing a conservative alpha-crystallin domain at the C-terminal part of the molecule. The protein is expressed preferentially in the heart and skeletal muscle. This protein regulates Myotonic Dystrophy Protein Kinase, which plays an important role in maintenance of muscle structure and function.