Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.0.0)
Enables glutamate-cysteine ligase activity. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including glutathione biosynthetic process; negative regulation of apoptotic signaling pathway; and regulation of protein metabolic process. Located in cytosol. Part of glutamate-cysteine ligase complex. Is expressed in several structures, including alimentary system; central nervous system; integumental system; metanephros; and sensory organ. Used to study cataract. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in cystic fibrosis; glutamate-cysteine ligase deficiency; hemolytic anemia; and myocardial infarction. Orthologous to human GCLC (glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit).