Caspase-like protease, which plays a central role in the chromosome segregation by cleaving the rad21 subunit of the cohesin complex at the onset of anaphase. During most of the cell cycle, it is inactivated by securin/cut2 protein. It is also required for pointed nuclear formation. All bonds known to be hydrolyzed by this endopeptidase have arginine in P1 and an acidic residue in P4. P6 is often occupied by an acidic residue or by a hydroxy-amino-acid residue, the phosphorylation of which enhances cleavage. It is inactivated via its interaction with cut2, which probably covers its active site. Cut2 degradation at anaphase, liberates it and triggers rad21 cleavage. Interacts with cut2. Interacts with rad21.