May induce apoptosis through the lysosomal-mitochondrial pathway. Translocates to the lysosome initiating the permeabilization of lysosomal membrane (LMP) and resulting in the release of CTSD and CTSL to the cytoplasm. Triggers the caspase-independent apoptosis by altering mitochondrial membrane permeabilization (MMP) resulting in the release of PDCD8.
Subcellular locations: Nucleus, Cytoplasm, Perinuclear region, Lysosome
Translocates to lysosome during apoptosis.
Highly expressed in heart and skeletal muscle. Weakly expressed in brain, thymus, spleen, kidney, liver, small intestine, placenta and lung.