It binds to, and destabilises, ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), a key enzyme in polyamine synthesis.

[2] The expression of ODC-AZ requires programmed, ribosomal frameshifting which is modulated according to the cellular concentration of polyamines.

High levels of polyamines induce a +1 ribosomal frameshift in the translation of mRNA for the antizyme leading to the expression of a full-length protein.

At least two forms of ODC-AZ exist in mammals [3] and the protein has been found in Drosophila (protein Gutfeeling[4]) as well as in Saccharomyces yeast (encoded by the OAZ1 gene).

[5] Human genes encoding Ornithine decarboxylase antizymes are OAZ1, OAZ2, and OAZ3.