This gene encodes a member of the natriuretic peptide family. Natriuretic peptides are involved in the control of blood pressure, extracellular fluid volume and electrolyte homeostasis. The encoded protein also plays a role in sensory neuron bifurcation, and is a critical regulator of endochondral bone growth. The encoded protein is a ligand for the natriuretic peptide receptor B, and is synthesized as a preprohormone which is cleaved to produce a mature peptide. Mutations in this gene are associated with dwarfism resulting from impaired endochondral ossification. [provided by RefSeq, Apr 2011]