This gene encodes a member of the R-spondin family of proteins that share a common domain organization consisting of a signal peptide, cysteine-rich/furin-like domain, thrombospondin domain and a C-terminal basic region. The encoded protein may be involved in activation of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathways. Mutations in this gene are associated with anonychia congenital. Alternate splicing results in multiple transcript variants.[provided by RefSeq, Sep 2009].
Function: Activator of the beta-catenin signaling cascade, leading to TCF-dependent gene activation. Acts both in the canonical Wnt/beta-catenin-dependent pathway, possibly via a direct interaction with Wnt proteins, and in a Wnt-independent beta catenin pathway through a receptor signaling pathway that may not use frizzled/LRP receptors (By similarity).