Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.0.0)
Predicted to enable cytokine activity. Involved in SMAD protein signal transduction. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including kidney development; negative regulation of amacrine cell differentiation; and type B pancreatic cell maturation. Located in extracellular space. Is expressed in several structures, including embryo mesenchyme; genitourinary system; limb bud; nervous system; and sensory organ. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in vertebral hypersegmentation and orofacial anomalies. Orthologous to human GDF11 (growth differentiation factor 11).