Works in parallel with pry-1 in negatively regulating bar-1 signaling in vulval precursor cells and Q neuroblasts. Shown to have a role in excretory cell development. Interacts with bar-1, dsh-2, gsk-3, and mig-5. Worms exhibit defects in excretory cell development and axonal migration. Reporter transgenes fail to show detectable expression indicating that axl-1 may be expressed at low levels.