The function of ENSG00000256394 (ASIC5, acid sensing ion channel subunit family member 5) is as follows. Forms bile acid-gated sodium channels and may play a role in bile acid-dependent absorption and secretion by epithelial cells of the bile ducts (PubMed:10767424, PubMed:22735174). Displays high selectivity for sodium ions but can also permit the permeation of other cations (Probable). The gating could be indirect and the consequence of alterations of the membrane environment of the channel by bile acids (By similarity). As a sodium channel of type II unipolar brush cells of the vestibulocerebellum, controlling the electrical activity of these cells, could play a role in motor coordination and balance (By similarity). {ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:Q9R0W5, ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:Q9R0Y1, ECO:0000269|PubMed:10767424, ECO:0000269|PubMed:22735174, ECO:0000305|PubMed:22735174}.