This gene encodes a member of an antimicrobial peptide family, characterized by a highly conserved N-terminal signal peptide containing a cathelin domain and a structurally variable cationic antimicrobial peptide, which is produced by extracellular proteolysis from the C-terminus. The encoded protein has several functions in addition to antimicrobial activity, including cell chemotaxis, immune mediator induction and inflammatory response regulation. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2011].
Funaki, Hodges, Dartt: "Role of cAMP inhibition of p44/p42 mitogen-activated protein kinase in potentiation of protein secretion in rat lacrimal gland." in: American journal of physiology. Cell physiology, Vol. 293, Issue 5, pp. C1551-60, (2007) (PubMed).