Cell surface proteoglycan that bears heparan sulfate. Putative cell surface coreceptor for growth factors, extracellular matrix proteins, proteases and anti-proteases. Enhances migration and invasion of cancer cells through WNT5A signaling (By similarity). In the cartilage growth-plate, gradient of expression with highest levels from the proliferative and pre-hypertrophic zones to lowest, if any, in the hypertrophic zones (at protein level). Detected from 7 to 17 dpc. Overall expression clearly diminishes after 13 dpc. Mostly expressed in mesoderm-derived tissues, but also present in some neurectoderm-derived sites. High expression limited to mesenchymal tissues. In 11.5 and 13.5 dpc lungs, mostly restricted to the peribronchial mesenchymal cells. In the aorta and other major blood vessels, found in the subendothelial smooth muscle cell layers. Also expressed in the outflow tract of the heart ventricle, but not in other parts of the heart. At 13.5 dpc, in the developing kidney, detected in the metanephric cap mesenchyme of the cortical region, in the condensing mesenchyme surrounding the ureteric branches. Not detected in the adrenal glands. At 11.5 and 13.5 dpc, expressed weakly in the liver septae, but not in the parenchyme. Very strong expression in both the stomach and intestine, in the submucosal layers, in the condensing splanchnic mesenchyme. At 13.5 dpc, expressed in the mesenchymal cells of pancreas, gonad, mesonephric tissue and genital eminence. At 13.5 dpc, expressed in the thymus. At 11.5 dpc, strong expression in the mesenchyme of the mandibular process, with highest expression in the mesenchymal cell layer just below the oral epithelium. Not detected in the overlying epithelium. At 13.5 dpc, highly expressed in the dental mesenchyme surrounding the epithelial bud and near the top of the lip furrow, as well as in the tongue. At 13.5 dpc, expressed in the cartilage primordia of the ear and snout. Highly expressed in intervertebral disks, but not detected in the notochord and vertebrae, both at 11.5 and 13.5 dpc. Highly expressed in mesenchymal condensations of both the forelimb and hindlimb. Overall low expression in the nervous system. At 11.5 dpc, low expression in the neuroepithelium of the hindbrain, the telencephalic vesicle and neuro-epithelial cells lining the mesencephalic vesicle. At 13.5 dpc, detected in the roof of the neopallial cortex, which gives rise to the future cerebral cortex. Weak expression also observed in the medulla oblongata, the choroid plexus, and the ventral mantle layer of the spinal cord. Stronger expression in the ganglia of the glossopharyngeal nerve. At 11.5 and 13.5 dpc, expressed in the mesenchyme surrounding the olfactory epithelium, but not in the epithelium itself. Similarly expressed in the mesenchymal tissues lining the dorsal root ganglia (perineurium), but not in the ganglia. Expression also observed in a few epithelial cells (ectodermal origin), including, at 11.5 dpc, the ventromedial wall of the otic vesicle and, at 13.5 dpc, the cochlea of the inner ear. In the eye, expressed not only in the neural retina but also the cells that compose the wall of the lens vesicle. Belongs to the glypican family.