Neprilysins belong to the MEROPS M13 family of metalloproteases. The majority of proteins of this family are integral membrane proteins located at the cell surface, acting as ectoenzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of extracellular signaling peptides. They contain all four of the conserved motifs defined as important for catalytic activity. (Adapted from FBrf0214506 and FBrf0239474.)