May have a role in spermatogenesis where it promotes autophagy in response to serum starvation, via the NF-kappaB pathway. Expressed in spermatogonia, spermatocytes and round spermatids. Expressed in liver at embryonic stage 13 dpc, and in liver, brain and lung at 16 dpc (PubMed:11162141). In testis, expression levels steadily increase from 1 week after birth and plateau by 8 weeks after birth (PubMed:26043108).