Acts as a processive, ATP-dependent zinc metallopeptidase for both cytoplasmic and membrane proteins. Plays a role in the quality control of integral membrane proteins. Can complement an E.coli ftsH disruption mutant. Binds 1 zinc ion per subunit. Homohexamer. Induced by heat shock (37 degrees Celsius) and osmotic shock (0.5 M NaCl) but not by exposure to alcohol, sulfite or ethidium bromide. In the central section; belongs to the AAA ATPase family. In the C-terminal section; belongs to the peptidase M41 family.