Predicted to enable cytokine binding activity and protein homodimerization activity. Involved in several processes, including circulatory system development; negative regulation of cell differentiation; and negative regulation of transmembrane receptor protein serine/threonine kinase signaling pathway. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including animal organ development; embryonic morphogenesis; and regulation of signal transduction. Located in extracellular space. Is expressed in several structures, including branchial arch; embryo ectoderm; heart; limb; and sensory organ. Used to study esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in Huntington's disease; cleft lip; dysostosis (multiple); hyperopia; and proximal symphalangism (multiple). Orthologous to human NOG (noggin). [provided by Alliance of Genome Resources, Apr 2022]