egl-21 encodes a putative carboxypeptidase (whose homologs include humanenkephalin convertase/carboxypeptidase E); EGL-21 is expressedthroughout the nervous system; EGL-21 is required for normal synthesisof FMRFamide-like (FLP) and neuropeptide-like (NLP) peptides, and for normal egg-laying, locomotion, and defecation; EGL-21 promotes acetylcholine release at neuromuscular junctions; egl-21 mutant defects resemble those seen for mutants of theproprotein convertase type 2 EGL-3.
Enables carboxypeptidase activity. Involved in several processes, including cellular response to carbon dioxide; regulation of multicellular organismal process; and regulation of neurotransmitter levels. Located in axon; cytoplasmic vesicle; and neuronal cell body. Expressed in nervous system and uv1. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in carboxypeptidase N deficiency; morbid obesity; and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Is an ortholog of human CPE (carboxypeptidase E).