Regulator of mitophagy through the upstream regulation of the RNF41/NRDP1-PRKN pathway. Mitophagy is a selective form of autophagy necessary for mitochondrial quality control. The RNF41/NRDP1-PRKN pathway regulates autophagosome-lysosome fusion during late mitophagy. May protect RNF41/NRDP1 from proteosomal degradation, RNF41/NRDP1 which regulates proteosomal degradation of PRKN. Plays a key role in beta cells functions by regulating mitophagy/autophagy and mitochondrial health. Interacts with RNF41/NRDP1. Associates with the endolysosome membrane. Ubiquitously expressed. Expressed in pancreatic islets. Mice with pancreatic specific deletion of Clec16a are significantly hyperglycemic and have reduced basal and blunted insulin release after glucose administration. Mutant mice have normal islet architecture and beta cell mass, but beta cells show accumulation of vacuolated structures and unhealthy mitochondria (rounded mitochondria with disordered and amorphous structure). Not associated with immune infiltration and insulitis. Belongs to the CLEC16A/gop-1 family. Extended N-terminus.