Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.0.0)
Enables cysteine-type endopeptidase activity. Involved in cellular response to dexamethasone stimulus. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including fibroblast apoptotic process; positive regulation of neuron apoptotic process; and response to UV. Located in cytosol and nucleus. Is expressed in several structures, including early embryo; forelimb interdigital region; genitourinary system; nervous system; and prosencephalon. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in several diseases, including Parkinson's disease; colorectal cancer; lung non-small cell carcinoma; pancreatic cancer; and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Orthologous to human CASP9 (caspase 9).