Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.0.0)
Predicted to contribute to Atg8-family ligase activity. Involved in several processes, including cellular response to nitrosative stress; macroautophagy; and negative regulation of defense response. Acts upstream of with a positive effect on chromatin organization. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including negative regulation of cardiac muscle cell apoptotic process; negative stranded viral RNA replication; and negative thymic T cell selection. Located in several cellular components, including autophagosome; mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane; and phagophore assembly site membrane. Part of Atg12-Atg5-Atg16 complex. Is expressed in central nervous system; heart; lower jaw molar; and sensory organ. Used to study systemic lupus erythematosus. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in autosomal recessive spinocerebellar ataxia 25. Orthologous to human ATG5 (autophagy related 5).