Cell localization:Cytoplasm.This gene encodes an E1-like activating enzyme that is essential for autophagy and cytoplasmic to vacuole transport. The encoded protein is also thought to modµLate p53-dependent cell cycle pathways during prolonged metabolic stress. It has been associated with mµLtiple functions, including axon membrane trafficking, axonal homeostasis, mitophagy, adipose differentiation, and hematopoietic stem cell maintenance. Alternative splicing resµLts in mµLtiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2015],