It is involved in synaptogenesis and promotes excitatory synapse differentiation (By similarity). Enhances neuronal dendrite outgrowth (PubMed:14550773). Can form homodimers; homodimerization requires repeat LRR 2 (By similarity). Interacts with YWHAB, YWHAE, YWHAG, YWHAH, SFN, YWHAQ and YWHAZ (By similarity). In the adult, significant expression is detected only in the brain. Broadly expressed in embryonic brain with highest expression in subventricular zone, subplate, cortical plate, pyramidal cell layer of hippocampus, thalamus and hypothalamus where levels are highest in ventromedial hypothalamus and medial part of periaqueductal gray matter. Also expressed in mantle layer of spinal cord and in lateral and medial motor columns. In the embryo, expressed from day 10-12 and continues through later gestational development and into adulthood. Undergoes proteolytic cleavage that results in shedding of the ectodomain and cleavage of the C-terminal cytoplasmic tail. Glycosylated. Phosphorylation at Ser-695 is necessary for proper function in promoting neurite outgrowth. Belongs to the SLITRK family.