Cytosolic metallopeptidase that catalyzes the removal of unsubstituted N-terminal hydrophobic amino acids from various peptides. The presence of Zn(2+) ions is essential for the peptidase activity, and the association with other cofactors can modulate the substrate spectificity of the enzyme. For instance, in the presence of Mn(2+), it displays a specific Cys-Gly hydrolyzing activity of Cys-Gly-S-conjugates. Involved in the metabolism of glutathione and in the degradation of glutathione S-conjugates, which may play a role in the control of the cell redox status.
