The protein encoded by this gene is an atypical member of the family of growth factor receptor protein tyrosine kinases, differing from other members at a number of conserved residues in the activation and nucleotide binding domains.

This gene product belongs to a subfamily whose members do not appear to be regulated by phosphorylation in the activation segment.

It has been suggested that mediation of biological activity by recruitment of a signaling-competent auxiliary protein may occur through an as yet uncharacterized mechanism.

Two alternative splice variants have been identified, encoding distinct isoforms.

[7] RYK is involved in regulation of axon growth during development of the nervous system.