Hormone which plays a role in endochondral ossification through regulation of cartilaginous growth plate chondrocytes proliferation and differentiation (PubMed:11259675). May also be vasoactive and natriuretic (By similarity). Acts by specifically binding and stimulating NPR2 to produce cGMP (PubMed:12890708). Binds the clearance receptor NPR3 (By similarity). Degraded by IDE (in vitro). Mice are viable perinatally but less than half survive postnatally due to skeletal abnormalities. They display severe dwarfism which is the consequence of a defect in endochondral ossification. Belongs to the natriuretic peptide family.