Regulates the formation or stabilization of cell-cell contacts at several stages of epithelial morphogenesis (PubMed:12679110). In early embryonic development, involved in ventral closure of the epidermis (PubMed:12403719). During male tail morphogenesis, regulates precursor cell sorting together with mab-20 and allows the formation of distinct sensory rays (PubMed:15030761). Probably acts as a ligand for lad-2 to regulate axon guidance of several neurons including SDQL, SDQR, SMD and PLN neurons during neurogenesis (PubMed:26903502). Interacts with lat-2. Expressed in the developing nervous system (PubMed:12403719). Expressed in head and tail neurons, nerve ring, ventral nerve cord, lateral neurons, CAN neuron, seam cells and vulva cells (PubMed:26903502). May undergo proteolysis by metalloprotease sup-17 to give rise to a soluble form. Worms have widespread defects in embryonic morphogenesis of the posterior body and defects in postembryonic male tail morphogenesis. In contrast to other ephrins, does not seem to signal through the vab-1 receptor. Belongs to the ephrin family.