Cell adhesion protein that promotes the attachment of spinal cord and sensory neuron cells and the outgrowth of neurites in vitro. May contribute to the growth and guidance of axons in both the spinal cord and the PNS (By similarity). Major factor for vascular smooth muscle cell.
Subcellular locations: Secreted, Extracellular space, Extracellular matrix
Highest expression in lung, lower expression in brain, heart, kidney, liver and testis, and lowest expression in pancreas, skeletal muscle and ovary. Not expressed in spleen.