May play a role in apoptosis by acting as a cell death substrate for caspases. Is cleaved during apoptosis and the cleaved form induces dramatic rearrangements of the actin cytoskeleton and potent changes in the shape of the affected cells. May play a role in chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation, and in limb myogenesis. May be involved in the regulation of the apoptosis in the interdigital tissues of the developing hindlimb. May be involved in the membrane ruffling process. Component of the microfilament system (PubMed:1607387). Colocalizes with actin fibers at the cell border and along the stress fibers in growth-arrested fibroblasts (PubMed:8120096). Mainly membrane-associated (PubMed:8120096). When hyperphosphorylated, accumulates at membrane ruffles (PubMed:8120096). Expressed in most tissues. Highest levels in liver, lung and kidney. In the embryo strongly expressed in regions that undergo extensive apoptosis, such as the intervertebral tissues, the cranofacial mesenchyme and the cartilage of the limbs. At 11.5 dpc and 13.5 dpc strongly expressed in the soft connective tissue of the face and trunk, and in the invertebral tissues. Low levels are found in brain and neural tube. Low levels are found in 13.5 dpc lung, kidney, eye lens and in vertebral cartilage located cranially. In 11.5 dpc hindlimbs weakly expressed by the mesenchymal cells surrounding the perspective cartilage-forming regions. In 12.5 dpc hindlimbs strongly expressed by cells enveloping the chondrogenic primordia of the digits, metatarsals, tibia, and femur, and the soft connective tissue in the interdigital tissues. In 13.5 dpc hindlimbs expression is maintained in the intergigital tissues located proximally and is found in some chondrocytes in the stylopod and in mesenchymal cells surrounding the cartilage in the autopod and zygopod. In 13.5 dpc forelimb strongly expressed in the pre-hypertrophic and hypertrophic regions of the humerus, radius, and ulna. Expression in hypertrophic chondrocytes is maintained at 14.5 dpc and is not detectable at 15.5 dpc. At day 14.5 dpc also expressed by chondrocytes in the cartilage forming the carpals and tarsals and by mesenchymal cells in the process of condensing to form tendons. In 13.5 dpc hindlimbs expressed in some myoblasts in the proximal myogenic region. In older limbs expression is maintained in the myotubules. Down-regulated by mitogens. Cleaved, during apoptosis, on a specific aspartic residue by caspases. Phosphorylated on serine residues during the G0-G1 transition phase. Belongs to the GAS2 family. It is uncertain whether Met-1 or Met-2 is the initiator.