The function of Ensembl gene identifier ENSG00000100292 (HMOX1, heme oxygenase 1) is as follows. [Heme oxygenase 1]: Catalyzes the oxidative cleavage of heme at the alpha-methene bridge carbon, released as carbon monoxide (CO), to generate biliverdin IXalpha, while releasing the central heme iron chelate as ferrous iron (PubMed:11121422, PubMed:19556236, PubMed:7703255). Affords protection against programmed cell death and this cytoprotective effect relies on its ability to catabolize free heme and prevent it from sensitizing cells to undergo apoptosis (PubMed:20055707). {ECO:0000269|PubMed:11121422, ECO:0000269|PubMed:19556236, ECO:0000269|PubMed:7703255, ECO:0000303|PubMed:20055707}. [Heme oxygenase 1]: (Microbial infection) During SARS-COV-2 infection, promotes SARS-CoV-2 ORF3A-mediated autophagy but is unlikely to be required for ORF3A-mediated induction of reticulophagy. . [Heme oxygenase 1 soluble form]: Catalyzes the oxidative cleavage of heme at the alpha-methene bridge carbon, released as carbon monoxide (CO), to generate biliverdin IXalpha, while releasing the central heme iron chelate as ferrous iron. .