Predicted to enable metalloendopeptidase activity. Involved in several processes, including mitochondrial protein processing; positive regulation of nematode male tail tip morphogenesis; and regulation of gene expression. Predicted to be located in mitochondrion. Predicted to be part of m-AAA complex. Expressed in germ line. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in optic atrophy 12; spastic ataxia 5; and spinocerebellar ataxia type 28. Is an ortholog of human AFG3L2 (AFG3 like matrix AAA peptidase subunit 2).