Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.0.0)
Enables cysteine-type endopeptidase activity. Involved in proteolysis involved in protein catabolic process; symbiont entry into host cell; and thyroid hormone generation. Acts upstream of or within decidualization. Located in external side of plasma membrane; extracellular space; and lysosome. Is expressed in several structures, including extraembryonic component; eye; genitourinary system; limb interdigital region; and optic nerve. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in diabetes mellitus. Orthologous to human CTSB (cathepsin B).