Involved in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway. Component of an evolutionarily conserved system for ubiquitin-mediated mitochondria-associated protein degradation (MAD) (By similarity). Dispensable for viability and growth but is required for protection against oxidative stress and for wild-type life span. translocates from the cytosol to mitochondria upon exposure to hydrogen peroxide. In larval stages and in adults, expressed in intestinal cells, specific neurons in the head and the tail, and in the ventral nerve cord. Belongs to the ANKZF1/VMS1 family.