Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.1.0)
Enables several functions, including hydrolase activity, acting on acid anhydrides, in phosphorus-containing anhydrides; metal ion binding activity; and phosphoric ester hydrolase activity. Involved in several processes, including cell surface receptor signaling pathway; leukocyte differentiation; and skeletal system development. Acts upstream of with a positive effect on cell morphogenesis. Acts upstream of or within negative regulation of ossification. Located in cell surface; extracellular space; and plasma membrane. Is active in extracellular region. Is expressed in several structures, including central nervous system; integumental system; limb; sensory organ; and tooth. Used to study arterial calcification of infancy; bone disease (multiple); middle ear disease (multiple); and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of spine. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in several diseases, including arterial calcification of infancy; end stage renal disease; obesity; ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of spine; and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Orthologous to human ENPP1 (ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1).