Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.1.0)
Predicted to enable sequence-specific DNA binding activity. Involved in piRNA processing and siRNA-mediated retrotransposon silencing by heterochromatin formation. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway in response to DNA damage; meiotic nuclear division; and negative regulation of macromolecule biosynthetic process. Located in several cellular components, including chromosome; cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein granule; and male germ cell nucleus. Part of chromatin. Is expressed in brain; early conceptus; and genitourinary system. Orthologous to human MAEL (maelstrom spermatogenic transposon silencer).