The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the neutral endopeptidase (NEP) or membrane metallo-endopeptidase (MME) family. Family members play important roles in pain perception, arterial pressure regulation, phosphate metabolism and homeostasis. This protein is a type II transmembrane protein and is thought to be expressed as a secreted protein. This gene is expressed mainly in testis with weak expression in the brain, kidney, and heart. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]. Publication Note: This RefSeq record includes a subset of the publications that are available for this gene. Please see the Gene record to access additional publications.
Function: Metalloprotease involved in sperm function, possibly by modulating the processes of fertilization and early embryonic development. Degrades a broad variety of small peptides with a preference for peptides shorter than 3 kDa containing neutral bulky aliphatic or aromatic amino acid residues. Shares the same substrate specificiy with MME and cleaves peptides at the same amide bond (By similarity).