Definition:

Non-lysosomal glucosylceramidase that catalyzes the hydrolysis of glucosylceramides/GlcCers (such as beta-D-glucosyl-(1<->1')-N-acylsphing-4-enine) to free glucose and ceramides (such as N-acylsphing-4-enine). GlcCers are membrane glycosphingolipids that have a wide intracellular distribution (By similarity). They are the main precursors of more complex glycosphingolipids that play a role in cellular growth, differentiation, adhesion, signaling, cytoskeletal dynamics and membrane properties (By similarity). Involved in the transglucosylation of cholesterol, transfers glucose from GlcCer to cholesterol, thereby modifying its water solubility and biological properties. Under specific conditions, may catalyze the reverse reaction, transferring glucose from cholesteryl-3-beta-D-glucoside to ceramide (such as N-acylsphing-4-enine) (Probable). May play a role in the metabolism of bile acids. Able to hydrolyze bile acid 3-O-glucosides as well as to produce bile acid-glucose conjugates thanks to a bile acid glucosyl transferase activity. Catalyzes the hydrolysis of galactosylceramides/GalCers (such as beta-D-galactosyl-(1<->1')-N-acylsphing-4-enine), as well as the galactosyl transfer between GalCers and cholesterol in vitro with lower activity compared with their activity against GlcCers.