The protein encoded by this gene is an adaptor molecule that interacts with various cell surface receptors and mediates cell apoptotic signals.Through its C-terminal death domain, this protein can be recruited by TNFRSF6/Fas-receptor,tumor necrosis factor receptor,TNFRSF25,and TNFSF10/TRAIL-receptor,and thus it participates in the death signaling initiated by these receptors.Interaction of this protein with the receptors unmasks the N-terminal effector domain of this protein,which allows it to recruit caspase-8,and thereby activate the cysteine protease cascade.Knockout studies in mice also suggest the importance of this protein in early T cell development.[provided by RefSeq,Jul 2008]