Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.0.0)
Predicted to enable BMP binding activity; cytokine activity; and identical protein binding activity. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including limb morphogenesis; negative regulation of mesenchymal cell apoptotic process; and positive regulation of chondrocyte differentiation. Predicted to be located in extracellular region and plasma membrane. Predicted to be active in extracellular space. Is expressed in several structures, including connective tissue; heart; limb; middle ear; and skeletal system. Used to study bone development disease (multiple) and osteoarthritis. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in Parkinson's disease and bone disease (multiple). Orthologous to human GDF5 (growth differentiation factor 5).