This gene encodes a cell surface glycoprotein and member of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic receptor (GDNFR) family of proteins. The encoded preproprotein is proteolytically processed to generate the mature protein. This protein mediates binding of the ligand artemin to the ret receptor tyrosine kinase, and this interaction may regulate thermal pain and axon regeneration. Homozygous knockout mice for this gene exhibit impaired proliferation of cultured neuroblasts and impaired development of the superior cervical ganglion. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2015]