This gene encodes a member of the glycosyl hydrolase 35 family of proteins. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants, at least one of which encodes a preproprotein that is proteolytically processed to generate the mature lysosomal enzyme. This enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of a terminal beta-linked galactose residue from ganglioside substrates and other glycoconjugates. Mutations in this gene may result in GM1-gangliosidosis and Morquio B syndrome.