Brainstem-restricted receptor for GDF15 which regulates food intake, energy expenditure and body weight in response to metabolic and toxin-induced stresses (PubMed:28953886, PubMed:28846097, PubMed:28846098, PubMed:28846099). Upon interaction with its ligand, GDF15, interacts with RET and induces cellular signaling through activation of MAPK- and AKT- signaling pathways. Interacts (via the extracellular domain) with GDF15 and RET; receptor of GDF15, mediates cellular signaling through interaction with RET after GDF15-binding (PubMed:28953886, PubMed:28846097, PubMed:28846099). Interaction with RET requires previous GDF15-binding (PubMed:28846097, PubMed:28846099). Expressed in the brainstem, restricted to cells in the area postrema and the immediately adjacent region of the nucleus tractus solitarius (at protein level) (PubMed:28846097, PubMed:28846098). Detected at low levels in testis and adipose tissue (PubMed:28846097). Belongs to the GDNFR family.