P16870

This gene encodes a member of the M14 family of metallocarboxypeptidases. The encoded preproprotein is proteolytically processed to generate the mature peptidase. This peripheral membrane protein cleaves C-terminal amino acid residues and is involved in the biosynthesis of peptide hormones and neurotransmitters, including insulin. This protein may also function independently of its peptidase activity, as a neurotrophic factor that promotes neuronal survival, and as a sorting receptor that binds to regulated secretory pathway proteins, including prohormones. Mutations in this gene are implicated in type 2 diabetes.