HID1 plays a role in the biogenesis of large dense core vesicles (LDCVs) at the trans-Golgi network. It is necessary for the proper sorting of cargo into LDCVs and is required for proper regulated exocytosis, also known as the regulated secretory pathway. In this way HID1 contributes to the controlled release of vesicle contents in response to stimulation.

The HID1 gene encodes Protein HID1, which belongs to the hid-1 family. UniProt records its subcellular location as the cytoplasm and the trans-Golgi network membrane. NCBI Gene reports that it is located in the Golgi apparatus, on cytoplasmic microtubules and in the cytosol. Orthologous genes are annotated in mouse and rat, both named Hid1, which allows the protein to be studied in common rodent models.

NCBI Gene summary predicts that HID1 acts upstream of or within several processes, including insulin processing, secretory granule maturation and non-autophagic vacuole fusion. The gene is implicated in developmental and epileptic encephalopathy 105, which connects vesicle biogenesis and secretion research with neurological disease. HID1 was previously designated chromosome 17 open reading frame 28 (C17orf28) before receiving its current HGNC name, and DMC1 and HID-1 are recorded as additional aliases. Researchers working on the HID1 gene or HID1 protein often do so in the context of secretory pathway biology.