May play a role in trophoblasts syncytialization, the spontaneous fusion of their plasma membranes, an essential process in placental development. May negatively regulate cell-cell fusion by interacting with SLC1A5, the probable receptor on the cell surface of the fusogenic syncytin-1/ERVW-1.
Subcellular locations: Secreted
Also found in cell lysates.
Specifically expressed in placenta by extravillous trophoblasts and syncytiotrophoblasts (at protein level).