The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the histidine acid phosphatase family, which hydrolyze orthophosphoric monoesters to alcohol and phosphate. This protein is localized to the lysosomal membrane, and is chemically and genetically distinct from the red cell acid phosphatase. Mice lacking this gene showed multiple defects, including bone structure alterations, lysosomal storage defects, and an increased tendency towards seizures. An enzymatically-inactive allele of this gene showed severe growth retardation, hair-follicle abnormalities, and an ataxia-like phenotype. Two isoforms are predicted to be produced from the same mRNA by the use of alternative in-frame translation termination codons via a stop codon readthrough mechanism. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2017]