This gene encodes a member of the M14 family of metallocarboxypeptidases. The encoded preproprotein is proteolytically processed to generate the mature peptidase. This peripheral membrane protein cleaves C-terminal amino acid residues and is involved in the biosynthesis of peptide hormones and neurotransmitters, including insulin. This protein may also function independently of its peptidase activity, as a neurotrophic factor that promotes neuronal survival, and as a sorting receptor that binds to regulated secretory pathway proteins, including prohormones. Mutations in this gene are implicated in type 2 diabetes. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2015]
Forensic Context
A study in rats demonstrated that the CPE mRNA was down-regulated in the frontal cortex of ethanol-naive, alcohol-preferring AA rats compared to alcohol-avoiding ANA rats, as identified through DNA macroarray analysis [Worst et al. DOI:10.1002/Jnr.20496].