Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 5.2.2)
Enables Hsp70 protein binding activity; chaperone binding activity; and identical protein binding activity. Involved in activation of cysteine-type endopeptidase activity involved in apoptotic process and positive regulation of neuron apoptotic process. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including apoptotic signaling pathway; eye development; and regulation of apoptotic process. Located in cytosol; endoplasmic reticulum; and mitochondrial outer membrane. Part of BAX complex. Is expressed in several structures, including alimentary system; branchial arch; central nervous system; genitourinary system; and sensory organ. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in acute lymphoblastic leukemia; ataxia telangiectasia; colon adenocarcinoma; and colorectal cancer. Orthologous to human BAX (BCL2 associated X, apoptosis regulator).