Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.0.0)
Enables identical protein binding activity. Involved in positive regulation of gene expression and positive regulation of tendon cell differentiation. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including BMP signaling pathway; morphogenesis of an epithelium; and nervous system development. Located in extracellular region. Is expressed in several structures, including brain; limb; metanephros; and neural tube roof plate. Orthologous to human GDF7 (growth differentiation factor 7).