Has specific phosphohydrolase activity towards sphingoid base 1-phosphates. Has high phosphohydrolase activity against dihydrosphingosine-1-phosphate and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in vitro . Sphingosine-1-phosphate phosphatase activity is needed for efficient recycling of sphingosine into the sphingolipid synthesis pathway (By similarity). May play a role in attenuating intracellular sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) signaling. May play a role in pro-inflammatory signaling . Plays a role in the regulation of pancreatic islet beta-cell endoplasmic reticulum stress and proliferation (By similarity).
Subcellular locations: Endoplasmic reticulum membrane
Expressed strongly in kidney and heart, followed by brain, colon, small intestine and lung. Not detected in skeletal muscle, thymus, spleen, liver, placenta, and peripheral blood leukocytes.