Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.1.0)
Predicted to enable several functions, including heme binding activity; oxygen binding activity; and oxygen carrier activity. Predicted to contribute to haptoglobin binding activity and peroxidase activity. Acts upstream of or within erythrocyte maturation and negative regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II. Predicted to be part of haptoglobin-hemoglobin complex and hemoglobin complex. Is expressed in several structures, including alimentary system; dorsal aorta; extraembryonic component; liver; and placenta. Orthologous to human HBZ (hemoglobin subunit zeta).