Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.0.0)
Enables double-stranded RNA binding activity and protein kinase activity. Involved in several processes, including negative regulation of viral genome replication; regulation of hematopoietic stem cell differentiation; and regulation of signal transduction. Acts upstream of or within endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response; negative regulation of apoptotic process; and translation. Predicted to be located in cytosol and perinuclear region of cytoplasm. Predicted to be active in cytoplasm and nucleus. Is expressed in several structures, including brain; genitourinary system; mandible condylar process; sensory organ; and skeletal musculature. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in Alzheimer's disease; Huntington's disease; Parkinson's disease; dystonia; and hepatitis B. Orthologous to human EIF2AK2 (eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha kinase 2).