ced-7 encodes an ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter that is a member of the ABCA subfamily of transporter proteins; CED-7 activity is required in both apoptotic and phagocytic cells for engulfment of apoptotic cell corpses; in regulating apoptotic cell clearance, CED-7 functions upstream of CED-10/Rac, and together with CED-1 and CED-6, to mediate actin reorganization around the apoptotic cell corpse in the phagocytic cell; in regulating engulfment with CED-1 and CED-6, CED-7 acts in a pathway parallel to that of CED-2, CED-5, and CED-12; CED-7 localizes to the plasma membrane of many embryonic cells, but in larvae and adults is found in the amphid and phasmid sheath cells and the pharyngeal-intestinal valve; further, CED-7 is expressed in the Z2 and Z3 germline precursor cells and in the germline, except for sperm.
Predicted to enable ATP binding activity; ATPase-coupled transmembrane transporter activity; and lipid transporter activity. Involved in several processes, including engulfment of apoptotic cell; left/right axis specification; and phospholipid efflux. Located in plasma membrane. Expressed in Z2; Z3; germ line; neuronal sheath cell; and pharyngeal-intestinal valve.