The function of NENF (neudesin neurotrophic factor, ENSG00000117691) is as follows. Acts as a neurotrophic factor in postnatal mature neurons enhancing neuronal survival (PubMed:31536960). Promotes cell proliferation and neurogenesis in undifferentiated neural progenitor cells at the embryonic stage and inhibits differentiation of astrocytes (By similarity). Its neurotrophic activity is exerted via MAPK1/ERK2, MAPK3/ERK1 and AKT1/AKT pathways (By similarity). Neurotrophic activity is enhanced by binding to heme (By similarity). Also acts as an anorexigenic neurotrophic factor that contributes to energy balance (By similarity). {ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:Q9CQ45, ECO:0000269|PubMed:31536960}.