Predicted to enable mRNA binding activity. Involved in several processes, including gamete generation; positive regulation of reproductive process; and regulation of cell cycle. Located in cytoplasm. Expressed in body wall musculature; dorsal nerve cord; germ line; gonad; and ventral nerve cord. Used to study autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in late onset Parkinson's disease and spinocerebellar ataxia type 2. Is an ortholog of human ATXN2 (ataxin 2) and ATXN2L (ataxin 2 like).