The protein encoded by this gene is an intestinal alkaline sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase that converts sphingomyelin to ceramide and phosphocholine. The encoded protein is anchored in the cell membrane, and it may function to protect the intestinal mucosa from inflammation and tumorigenesis. This protein is glycosylated and also exhibits lysophosphatidylcholine hydrolase activity. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2016].