Plays a role in formation of the lens suture in the eye, which is important for normal optical properties of the lens. May form dimers. Strongly expressed in the lens of the eye, where it localizes to the equatorial epithelium and outer layers of newly extending fiber cells (at protein level) (PubMed:29425878). May also be expressed in kidney and skin (PubMed:12084582). However, another study suggests that expression is specific to eye and is minimal in other tissues (PubMed:29425878). No visible phenotype. The lens of the eye appears normal in young animals. However, formation of the lens suture is abnormal with an X-shaped or double-Y shaped morphology instead of a tight Y-shaped pattern. Optics of the lens are distorted and cortical cataracts develop; the phenotype progressively worsens with age. Expression of CLIC5 in the lens epithelium is almost completely absent. Belongs to the glycosyl hydrolase 1 family. Klotho subfamily. Although it belongs to the glycosyl hydrolase 1 family, Asp-200 is present instead of the conserved Glu which is an active site residue. It is therefore expected that this protein lacks glycosidase activity.