Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 3.2)
Exhibits identical protein binding activity. Involved in several processes, including engulfment of apoptotic cell; negative regulation of cellular metabolic process; and vacuole organization. Localizes to several cellular components, including autophagosome; phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase complex, class III; and trans-Golgi network. Predicted to colocalize with mitochondrion. Is expressed in central nervous system; extraembryonic visceral endoderm; sensory organ; and spleen. Used to study systemic lupus erythematosus. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in Machado-Joseph disease. Orthologous to human BECN1 (beclin 1).