Promotes matrix assembly and cell adhesiveness (PubMed:18757743). Plays a role in spinal cord formation by regulating the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells (PubMed:25331329). Binds dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate. At 16.5 dpc, present in skull base cartilage (at protein level) (PubMed:18757743). Expressed in the floor plate as early as 9.5 dpc and shifted to the central canal area from 13.5 dpc. At 15.5 dpc, the expression is restricted to the ventral midline region (PubMed:25331329). Highly up-regulated in the injured spinal cord. Embryos show decreased spinal cord size associated with reduced cell proliferation and altered cell differentiation in the central canal of the neural tube.