This gene encodes a highly conserved protein which is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The protein is linked to autophagy and ER stress. Knockdown of this gene increased autophagy and triggered ER stress. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Dec 2015] see less This gene encodes a highly conserved protein which is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The protein is linked to autophagy and ER stress. Knockdown of this gene increased autophagy and triggered ER stress. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Dec 2015]