Enables several functions, including G protein activity; G protein-coupled acetylcholine receptor activity; and GTP binding activity. Involved in several processes, including detection of cold stimulus involved in thermoception; negative regulation of cholinergic synaptic transmission; and response to monoamine. Located in cell cortex. Expressed in several structures, including neurons; non-striated muscle; pharynx; spermatheca; and vulva. Used to study developmental and epileptic encephalopathy and early infantile epileptic encephalopathy. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in developmental and epileptic encephalopathy 17 and neurodevelopmental disorder with involuntary movements. Is an ortholog of human GNAO1 (G protein subunit alpha
o1).