Involved in the cyanide detoxification pathway. Has nitrilase and nitrile-hydratase activity in the ratio 4.0:1, producing both asparagine and aspartic acid from beta-cyano-L-alanine (Ala(CN)). Can also use 3-phenylpropionitrile as substrate, but not indole-3-acetonitrile. L-asparagine = 3-cyano-L-alanine + H2O 3-cyano-L-alanine + 2 H2O = L-aspartate + NH4(+) Ubiquitous. Belongs to the carbon-nitrogen hydrolase superfamily. Nitrilase family.