Ndnf - neuron-derived neurotrophic factor

Enables heparin binding activity. Involved in gonadotrophin-releasing hormone neuronal migration to the hypothalamus; response to ischemia; and vascular wound healing. Acts upstream of or within extracellular matrix organization; peptide cross-linking via chondroitin 4-sulfate glycosaminoglycan; and positive regulation of cell-substrate adhesion. Located in extracellular matrix. Is expressed in several structures, including brain; embryo mesenchyme; intervertebral disc; lung; and molar. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Orthologous to human NDNF (neuron derived neurotrophic factor). [provided by Alliance of Genome Resources, Apr 2022]