This gene encodes a member of the type 1 cytokine receptor family. The encoded protein is the ligand-specific component of a tripartite receptor for ciliary neurotrophic factor, which plays a critical role in neuronal cell survival, differentiation and gene expression. Binding of ciliary neurotrophic factor to the encoded protein recruits the transmembrane components of the receptor, gp130 and leukemia inhibitory factor receptor, facilitating signal transduction. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in this gene may be associated with variations in muscle strength, as well as early onset of eating disorders. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been observed for this gene.