Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.0.0)
Enables transmembrane receptor protein tyrosine kinase activator activity. Involved in circadian rhythm; positive regulation of Ras protein signal transduction; and positive regulation of macromolecule metabolic process. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including cell surface receptor signaling pathway; nervous system development; and positive regulation of cell projection organization. Located in extracellular space. Is expressed in several structures, including alimentary system; genitourinary system; limb; nervous system; and sensory organ. Used to study hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type 5. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in several diseases, including IgA glomerulonephritis; end stage renal disease; hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type 5; interstitial cystitis; and neurogenic bladder. Orthologous to human NGF (nerve growth factor).