Regulates food intake, energy expenditure and body weight in response to metabolic and toxin-induced stresses. Binds to its receptor, GFRAL, and activates GFRAL-expressing neurons localized in the area postrema and nucleus tractus solitarius of the brainstem. It then triggers the activation of neurons localized within the parabrachial nucleus and central amygdala, which constitutes part of the 'emergency circuit' that shapes feeding responses to stressful conditions . On hepatocytes, inhibits growth hormone signaling (By similarity).
Subcellular locations: Secreted
Detected in plasma (at protein level).