The function of PrP is still under debate. May play a role in neuronal development and synaptic plasticity. May be required for neuronal myelin sheath maintenance. May play a role in iron uptake and iron homeostasis (By similarity). Isoform 2 may act as a growth suppressor by arresting the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase. Soluble oligomers are toxic to cultured neuroblastoma cells and induce apoptosis (in vitro).