Plays an important role in the regulation of embryonic development, cell proliferation, cell differentiation and cell migration. Required for normal brain, eye, ear and limb development during embryogenesis. Required for normal development of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuronal system (PubMed:16384934, PubMed:16597617, PubMed:8663044). Plays a role in neurite outgrowth in hippocampal cells (PubMed:21576111).