The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the syndecan proteoglycan family. It may play a role in the organization of cell shape by affecting the actin cytoskeleton, possibly by transferring signals from the cell surface in a sugar-dependent mechanism. Allelic variants of this gene have been associated with obesity. Cell surface proteoglycan that may bear heparan sulfate (By similarity). May have a role in the organization of cell shape by affecting the actin cytoskeleton, possibly by transferring signals from the cell surface in a sugar-dependent mechanism.