These enzymes have been implicated in cell wall hydrolysis, most extensively in Bacillus subtilis. For instance Swiss:P50739 is expressed during sporulation as an inactive form and then deposited on the cell outer cortex. During germination the the enzyme is activated and hydrolyses the cortex([1]). A similar role is carried out by the partially redundant Swiss:P42249 ([2]). It is not clear whether these enzymes are amidases or peptidases.

1: Complete spore-cortex hydrolysis during germination of Bacillus subtilis 168 requires SleB and YpeB. Boland FM, Atrih A, Chirakkal H, Foster SJ, Moir A; Microbiology 2000;146:57-64. PMID:10658652

2: Regulation and characterization of a newly deduced cell wall hydrolase gene (cwlJ) which affects germination of Bacillus subtilis spores. Ishikawa S, Yamane K, Sekiguchi J; J Bacteriol 1998;180:1375-1380. PMID:9515903