Plays a role in growth cones guidance. May function to pattern sensory projections by selectively repelling axons that normally terminate dorsally. Involved in the development of the olfactory system and in neuronal control of puberty (By similarity). Interacts with PXND1. Expressed early in embryonic development (11 dpc) in distinct regions of the neuroectoderm and mesoderm. Expression became more extensive at later stages. Strong binding to neuropilin is mediated by the carboxy third of the protein. Belongs to the semaphorin family.