Predicted to be an extracellular matrix structural constituent. Acts upstream of or within female gonad development and male gonad development. Located in collagen-containing extracellular matrix. Is expressed in several structures, including brain; cranium; eye; hindlimb digit mesenchyme; and reproductive system. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in multiple epiphyseal dysplasia 3 and osteochondrodysplasia. Orthologous to human COL9A3 (collagen type IX alpha 3 chain). [provided by Alliance of Genome Resources, Apr 2022]