The protein encoded by this gene is a mitochondrial
phosphate-activated glutaminase that catalyzes the hydrolysis of
glutamine to stoichiometric amounts of glutamate and ammonia. This
protein is functionally similar to the kidney glutaminase but is a
little smaller in size. Originally thought to be liver-specific,
this protein has been found in other tissues as well. At least one
transcribed pseudogene has been found for this gene. [provided by
RefSeq].
