Function
Cytokine that may play an important role during carcinogenesis and metanephric kidney organogenesis, as BMP a antagonist required for early limb outgrowth and patterning in maintaining the FGF4-SHH feedback loop (PubMed:12808456, PubMed:15201225). Down-regulates the BMP4 signaling in a dose-dependent manner (PubMed:15133038). Antagonist of BMP2; inhibits BMP2-mediated differentiation of osteoblasts (in vitro) (By similarity). Acts as inhibitor of monocyte chemotaxis (By similarity).