May play a role in intercellular signaling and in connecting cells with the extracellular matrix. May take part in the regulation of cell motility, growth and differentiation. Binds hyaluronic acid. Interacts with FBLN1. Additional isoforms seem to exist. In kidney is expressed in the papillary area, but not in glomeruli. Disappears after the cartilage development. Phosphorylated by FAM20C in the extracellular medium. Proteolytically cleaved by ADAMTS5 and ADAMTS15 in the pericellular matrix surrounding myoblasts, facilitating myoblast contact and fusion which is required for skeletal muscle development and regeneration. Belongs to the aggrecan/versican proteoglycan family.