Exo-alpha-sialidase that catalyzes the hydrolytic cleavage of the terminal sialic acid (N-acetylneuraminic acid, Neu5Ac) of a glycan moiety in the catabolism of glycolipids, glycoproteins and oligosacharides. Efficiently hydrolyzes gangliosides including alpha-(2->3)-sialylated GD1a and GM3 and alpha-(2->8)-sialylated GD3 ( ). Hydrolyzes poly-alpha-(2->8)-sialylated neural cell adhesion molecule NCAM1 likely at growth cones, suppressing neurite outgrowth in hippocampal neurons (By similarity). May desialylate sialyl Lewis A and X antigens at the cell surface, down-regulating these glycan epitopes recognized by SELE/E selectin in the initiation of cell adhesion and extravasation . Has sialidase activity toward mucin, fetuin and sialyllactose .
Subcellular locations: Cell membrane, Endoplasmic reticulum membrane, Microsome membrane, Mitochondrion membrane, Cell projection, Neuron projection
Predominantly associates with endoplasmic reticulum membranes. Only a small fraction associates with mitochondrial and plasma membranes.
Subcellular locations: Mitochondrion inner membrane, Mitochondrion outer membrane, Lysosome lumen
According to , isoform 2 is soluble, N-glycosylated and found in the lumen of lysosomes. However, no signal sequence nor N-glycosylation site is predicted from the sequence.
Predominant form in liver. Also expressed in brain, kidney and colon.
Highly expressed in brain and at lower levels in kidney and liver.