Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.1.0)
Enables Atg12 transferase activity and Atg8-family ligase activity. Involved in autophagosome assembly; mitochondrial fragmentation involved in apoptotic process; and regulation of cilium assembly. Acts upstream of or within macroautophagy and negative regulation of phagocytosis. Predicted to be part of Atg12-Atg5-Atg16 complex and cytoplasmic ubiquitin ligase complex. Predicted to be active in cytosol and phagophore assembly site. Is expressed in several structures, including alimentary system; brain; genitourinary system; hemolymphoid system; and integumental system. Orthologous to human ATG3 (autophagy related 3).