Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.0.0)
Enables eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2alpha kinase activity and identical protein binding activity. Involved in several processes, including PERK-mediated unfolded protein response; cellular response to glucose starvation; and regulation of cellular biosynthetic process. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including SREBP signaling pathway; intracellular signal transduction; and regulation of apoptotic process. Located in endoplasmic reticulum membrane and endoplasmic reticulum quality control compartment. Is expressed in several structures, including cerebral cortex; eye; liver; pancreas tip epithelium; and tooth. Used to study Wolcott-Rallison syndrome. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in Wolcott-Rallison syndrome and type 1 diabetes mellitus. Orthologous to human EIF2AK3 (eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha kinase 3).