Enables RNA endonuclease activity. Involved in nematode larval development; response to endoplasmic reticulum stress; and response to hypoxia. Acts upstream of with a positive effect on IRE1-mediated unfolded protein response and intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway by
p53 class mediator. Located in neuronal cell body. Expressed widely. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in hepatocellular carcinoma and oropharynx cancer. Is an ortholog of human ERN2 (endoplasmic reticulum to nucleus signaling 2).