The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the angiotensin-converting enzyme family of dipeptidyl carboxydipeptidases and has considerable homology to human angiotensin 1 converting enzyme.This secreted protein catalyzes the cleavage of angiotensin I into angiotensin 1-9 and angiotensin II into the vasodilator angiotensin 1-7.The organ- and cell-specific expression of this gene suggests that it may play a role in the regulation of cardiovascular and renal function as well as fertility.In addition the encoded protein is a functional receptor for the spike glycoprotein of the human coronaviruses SARS and HCoV-NL63.[provided by RefSeq Jul 2008]