Involved in aging, oxidative stress response, and in the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis. Inactivation of UTH1 increases life span, leads to higher resistance to heat stress and against hydrogen peroxide, and increases sensitivity to the superoxide radical-generating drug paraquat and to copper. Also required for the selective autophagic degradation of mitochondria (mitophagy) in response to nitrogen starvation. Involved in the remodeling of the cell wall during the various phases of yeast culture development and under various environmental conditions and plays a role in septation. Involved in cell sensitivity to boric acid. Non-covalently bound to the cell wall (PubMed:11958935). Induced by hydrogen peroxide. Repressed by superoxide radicals and anoxia. Leads to increased resistance to zymolyase treatment and to boric acid. Present with 56900 molecules/cell in log phase SD medium. Belongs to the SUN family. Extended N-terminus.