Predicted to enable unfolded protein binding activity. Involved in defense response to Gram-negative bacterium and response to heat. Predicted to be located in cytoplasm and nucleus. Expressed in several structures, including alimentary muscle; coelomocyte; intestine; neurons; and ventral nerve cord. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in cataract 9 multiple types. Is an ortholog of human CRYAA (crystallin alpha A).