Plays a role in the extension of dendrites from phasmid ciliated sensory neurons (PubMed:34115759). May be necessary for initial assembly of the cilium. Expressed in ciliated sensory neurons of the head (amphid neurons) and the tail in hermaphrodites (phasmid neurons) and males (sensory ray neurons). Impaired male mating behavior. Belongs to the nephrocystin-1 family.