Hormone that acts as a regulator of dendritic growth in the developing cerebral cortex in response to sensory experience. Induced in the brain following membrane depolarization and inhibits dendritic branching in neurons of the developing cortex (By similarity). Probably acts by binding to natriuretic peptide receptor NPR3/NPR-C, thereby preventing binding between NPR3/NPR-C and natriuretic peptides, leading to increase cGMP production (By similarity). Interacts with NPR3. Expression is induced by neuronal activity in the developing cerebral cortex: expression is driven by the presence of a enhancer sequence only present in primates that binds the MEF2 transcription factors (PubMed:27830782). Belongs to the Osteocrin family. This protein-coding gene has been repurposed in primates, with the presence of a new enhancer sequence that drives expression in brain in response to sensory experience, leading to restrict dendritic growth in the developing cortex (PubMed:27830782).