Integral mitochondrial outer-membrane protein that mediates the formation of mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAMs). In turn, mediates angiogenesis and neoangiogenesis through interference with intracellular Ca(2+) communication and regulation of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor KDR/VEGFR2 expression at both mRNA and protein levels. Acts also as an activator of hypoxia-induced mitophagy, an important mechanism for mitochondrial quality and homeostasis, by interacting with and recruiting LC3 protein family to mitochondria. Mechanistically, recruits DRP1 at ER-mitochondria contact sites leading to DRP1 oligomerization and GTPase activity to facilitate mitochondrial fission during hypoxia. Additionally, plays a role in hepatic ferroptosis by interacting directly with glutathione peroxidase/GPX4 to facilitate its recruitment into mitochondria through TOM/TIM complex where it is degraded by mitophagy.