Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.0.0)
Enables cysteine-type endopeptidase activity. Involved in basement membrane disassembly and proteolysis involved in protein catabolic process. Acts upstream of or within positive regulation of inflammatory response and proteolysis. Located in lysosome and membrane. Is expressed in several structures, including blastocyst; blood vessel; central nervous system; lung; and uterus. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in neuropathy. Orthologous to human CTSS (cathepsin S).