Enables RNA endonuclease activity. Involved in nematode larval development; positive regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II; and response to stress. Acts upstream of with a positive effect on IRE1-mediated unfolded protein response; intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway by
p53 class mediator; and negative regulation of multicellular organismal process. Acts upstream of with a negative effect on determination of adult lifespan. Located in neuronal cell body. Expressed widely. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in hepatocellular carcinoma and oropharynx cancer. Is an ortholog of human ERN2 (endoplasmic reticulum to nucleus signaling 2).