Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.0.0)
Enables aspartic-type endopeptidase activity. Involved in amyloid precursor protein catabolic process; presynaptic modulation of chemical synaptic transmission; and proteolysis. Acts upstream of or within amyloid-beta metabolic process and proteolysis. Located in several cellular components, including cell surface; endosome; and trans-Golgi network. Is active in hippocampal mossy fiber to CA3 synapse and presynapse. Is expressed in several structures, including immune system; liver; nervous system; retina; and submandibular gland. Used to study schizophrenia. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in Alzheimer's disease. Orthologous to human BACE1 (beta-secretase 1).