Function
Toxic component of a type II toxin-antitoxin (TA) system. Upon overexpression causes bacteriostasis. Its effect is neutralized by coexpression with cognate antitoxin PhD. May bind the 30S ribosomal subunit. In M.smegmatis 3 TA systems (VapB-VapC, MazE-MazF and Phd-Doc) may be involved in monitoring the nutritional supply and physiological state of the cell, linking catabolic with anabolic reactions.