This gene encodes a member of the peptidase S1 protein family. The encoded protein is first synthesized as an inactive single-chain precursor before being activated to a heterodimeric form by endoproteolytic processing. It acts as serine protease that converts hepatocyte growth factor to the active form. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2014],caution:It is uncertain whether Met-1 is the initiator.,function:Activates hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) by converting it from a single chain to a heterodimeric form.,similarity:Belongs to the peptidase S1 family.,similarity:Contains 1 fibronectin type-I domain.,similarity:Contains 1 fibronectin type-II domain.,similarity:Contains 1 kringle domain.,similarity:Contains 1 peptidase S1 domain.,similarity:Contains 2 EGF-like domains.,subcellular location:Secreted as an inactive single-chain precursor and is then activated to a heterodimeric form.,subunit:Heterodimer of a short chain and a long chain linked by a disulfide bond.,tissue specificity:Liver.,
