This gene encodes a transmembrane protein that plays a key regulatory role in the process of autophagy. The ectopic overexpression of the encoded protein in cultured cells triggers autophagy even under nutrient-rich conditions. This gene is overexpressed in pancreatitis affected acinar cells where the encoded protein mediates sequestration and degradation of potentially deleterious activated zymogen granules in a process termed, zymophagy.