This gene encodes a serine protease enzyme that proteolytically activates hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and plays a vital role in the regulation of HGF activity in the regeneration and repair of various tissues. The encoded protein is an inactive zymogen that is proteolytically activated to generate a heterodimeric enzyme consisting of a short chain and a long chain linked by a disulfide bridge. Mice lacking the encoded protein display an impairment in mucosal regeneration after injury. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2015]