Enables cytokine activity; phenylpyruvate tautomerase activity; and protease binding activity. Involved in several processes, including negative regulation of apoptotic process; positive regulation of macromolecule metabolic process; and regulation of signal transduction. Acts upstream of or within DNA damage response, signal transduction by p53 class mediator; cell aging; and regulation of cell population proliferation. Located in extracellular space. Is expressed in several structures, including alimentary system; central nervous system; genitourinary system; respiratory system; and sensory organ. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in allergic disease; asthma; cystic fibrosis; lung disease (multiple); and obesity. Orthologous to human MIF (macrophage migration inhibitory factor). [provided by Alliance of Genome Resources, Apr 2022]