This gene encodes a member of the peptidase S1 family. The encoded protein is a serum calcium-decreasing factor that has chymotrypsin-like protease activity. Chymotrypsin is a digestive enzyme that can perform proteolysis by cleaving peptides at the carboxyl side of tyrosine, tryptophan and phenylalanine,although over time it also hydrolyzes other amide bonds, especially those with leucine-donated carboxyls. Chymotrypsin is synthesized in the pancreas by protein biosynthesis as a precursor called chymotrypsinogen that is enzymatically inactive, but becomes active as a three polypeptide molecule that is interconnected by disulfide bonds.
