This gene encodes a member of the carboxylesterase large family. The family members are responsible for the hydrolysis or transesterification of various xenobiotics, such as cocaine and heroin, and endogenous substrates with ester, thioester, or amide bonds. They also participate in fatty acyl and cholesterol ester metabolism, and may play a role in the blood-brain barrier system. This gene, also called CES5, is predominantly expressed in peripheral tissues, including brain, kidney, lung and testis. It encodes a secreted enzyme. Because of high levels in the urine of male domestic cats, this enzyme is also called cauxin (carboxylesterase-like urinary excreted protein). The enzyme functions in regulating the production of a pheromone precursor and may contribute to lipid and cholesterol transfer processes within male reproductive fluids. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Jun 2010].