Senses unfolded proteins in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum via its N-terminal domain which leads to enzyme auto-activation. The active endoribonuclease domain splices XBP1 mRNA to generate a new C-terminus, converting it into a potent unfolded-protein response transcriptional activator and triggering growth arrest and apoptosis.
Specificity
Natural and recombinant Mouse Serine/threonine-protein kinase/endoribonuclease IRE1
Subcellular Location
Endoplasmic reticulum membrane Single-pass type I membrane protein
Homodimer; disulfide-linked. Dimer formation is driven by hydrophobic interactions within the N-terminal luminal domains and stabilized by disulfide bridges. Also binds HSPA5, a negative regulator of the unfolded protein response. This interaction may disrupt homodimerization and prevent activation of ERN1 (By similarity). Interacts with TAOK3 and TRAF2.