This gene encodes an adaptor protein that is composed of
two protein-protein interaction domains: a N-terminal
PYRIN-PAAD-DAPIN domain (PYD) and a C-terminal caspase-recruitment
domain (CARD). The PYD and CARD domains are members of the
six-helix bundle death domain-fold superfamily that mediates
assembly of large signaling complexes in the inflammatory and
apoptotic signaling pathways via the activation of caspase. In
normal cells, this protein is localized to the cytoplasm; however,
in cells undergoing apoptosis, it forms ball-like aggregates near
the nuclear periphery. Two transcript variants encoding different
isoforms have been found for this gene.
