The function of ENSG00000166923 (GREM1, gremlin 1, DAN family BMP antagonist) is as follows. Cytokine that may play an important role during carcinogenesis and metanephric kidney organogenesis, as a BMP antagonist required for early limb outgrowth and patterning in maintaining the FGF4-SHH feedback loop. Down-regulates the BMP4 signaling in a dose-dependent manner (By similarity). Antagonist of BMP2; inhibits BMP2-mediated differentiation of osteoblasts (in vitro) (PubMed:27036124). Acts as inhibitor of monocyte chemotaxis. Can inhibit the growth or viability of normal cells but not transformed cells when is overexpressed (By similarity). {ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:O35793, ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:O70326, ECO:0000269|PubMed:27036124}.