Co-chaperone for Hsp70 protein HSPA5/BiP that acts as a key repressor of the ERN1/IRE1-mediated unfolded protein response (UPR) (By similarity). J domain-containing co-chaperones stimulate the ATPase activity of Hsp70 proteins and are required for efficient substrate recognition by Hsp70 proteins (PubMed:18400946). In the unstressed endoplasmic reticulum, interacts with the luminal region of ERN1/IRE1 and selectively recruits HSPA5/BiP: HSPA5/BiP disrupts the dimerization of the active ERN1/IRE1 luminal region, thereby inactivating ERN1/IRE1 (By similarity). Also involved in endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) of misfolded proteins. Required for survival of B-cell progenitors and normal antibody production (By similarity). Interacts with HSPA5/BiP; interaction is direct (By similarity). Interacts with ERN1/IRE1 (via the luminal region) (By similarity). Interacts with DERL1 (By similarity). Widely expressed. Expressed at highest level in the liver, placenta and kidney (PubMed:11836248). The J domain stimulates the ATPase activity of HSPA5/BiP, while the divergent targeting domain is required for efficient substrate recognition by HSPA5/BiP. The divergent targeting domain specifically recognizes and binds to aggregation-prone sequences.