这个基因是一组基因的一员，在紧张的生长停滞状态和用DNA破坏剂治疗后，这些基因的转录水平会增加。该基因编码的蛋白质通过mtk1/mekkk4激酶介导p38/jnk通路的激活，对环境应激作出反应。该基因的DNA损伤诱导转录由p53依赖和非依赖机制介导。另外，还发现了编码该基因不同亚型的剪接转录变体。
This gene is a member of a group of genes whose transcript levels are increased following stressful growth arrest conditions and treatment with DNA-damaging agents. The protein encoded by this gene responds to environmental stresses by mediating activation of the p38/JNK pathway via MTK1/MEKK4 kinase. The DNA damage-induced transcription of this gene is mediated by both p53-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms have been found for this gene.