This gene is a member of the insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP) family and encodes a protein with an IGFBP N-terminal domain and a thyroglobulin type-I domain. The encoded protein, mainly expressed in the liver, circulates in the plasma and binds both insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) I and II, prolonging their half-lives and altering their interaction with cell surface receptors. This protein is important in cell migration and metabolism. Low levels of this protein may be associated with impaired glucose tolerance, vascular disease and hypertension in human patients.
