Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.1.0)
Enables aspartic-type endopeptidase activity; cyclin-dependent protein serine/threonine kinase inhibitor activity; and cysteine-type endopeptidase activity involved in execution phase of apoptosis. Involved in intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway in response to osmotic stress; positive regulation of apoptotic process; and regulation of synaptic vesicle cycle. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including anterior neural tube closure; lymphocyte homeostasis; and negative regulation of lymphocyte proliferation. Located in cytoplasm and nucleus. Is active in glutamatergic synapse and postsynaptic density. Is expressed in several structures, including alimentary system; branchial arch; central nervous system; genitourinary system; and heart. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in Parkinson's disease; colon cancer; lung non-small cell carcinoma; and stomach cancer. Orthologous to human CASP3 (caspase 3).