This gene encodes a member of the cadherin superfamily. Cadherins are membrane glycoproteins that mediate homophilic cell-cell adhesion and play critical roles in cell differentiation and morphogenesis. The encoded protein is a type II cadherin and may play a role in kidney development as well as endometrium and placenta formation. Decreased expression of this gene may be associated with tumor growth and metastasis. [provided by RefSeq, May 2011],function:Cadherins are calcium dependent cell adhesion proteins. They preferentially interact with themselves in a homophilic manner in connecting cells, cadherins may thus contribute to the sorting of heterogeneous cell types.,similarity:Contains 5 cadherin domains.,tissue specificity:Highly expressed in brain, cerebellum, and kidney. Lung, pancreas, and gastric mucosa show a weak expression. Also expressed in certain liver and kidney carcinomas.,
