This gene encodes a member of the peptidase M10 family and membrane-type subfamily of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Proteins in this family are involved in the breakdown of extracellular matrix in normal physiological processes, such as embryonic development, reproduction, and tissue remodeling, as well as in disease processes, such as arthritis and metastasis. Members of this subfamily contain a transmembrane domain suggesting that these proteins are expressed at the cell surface rather than secreted. The encoded preproprotein is proteolytically processed to generate the mature protease. This protein is unique among the membrane-type matrix metalloproteinases in that it is anchored to the cell membrane via a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. Elevated expression of the encoded protein has been observed in osteoarthritis and multiple human cancers. [provided by RefSeq, Jan 2016]
