Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.0.0)
Enables cysteine-type endopeptidase activity involved in apoptotic process. Acts upstream of or within ectopic germ cell programmed cell death; extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway in absence of ligand; and positive regulation of apoptotic signaling pathway. Located in cytoplasm and nucleus. Is expressed in several structures, including alimentary system; brain; genitourinary system; hemolymphoid system gland; and liver and biliary system. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in autosomal recessive intellectual developmental disorder. Orthologous to human CASP2 (caspase 2).