Catalyzes the oxidative cleavage of heme at the alpha-methene bridge carbon, released as carbon monoxide (CO), to generate biliverdin IXalpha, while releasing the central heme iron chelate as ferrous iron (By similarity). Affords protection against programmed cell death and this cytoprotective effect relies on its ability to catabolize free heme and prevent it from sensitizing cells to undergo apoptosis (By similarity).
Catalyzes the oxidative cleavage of heme at the alpha-methene bridge carbon, released as carbon monoxide (CO), to generate biliverdin IXalpha, while releasing the central heme iron chelate as ferrous iron.
Subcellular locations: Endoplasmic reticulum membrane