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] see less 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]