Calcium-dependent cell adhesion protein; preferentially mediates homotypic cell-cell adhesion (PubMed:2831236). Cadherins may thus contribute to the sorting of heterogeneous cell types, and thereby play an important role during embryonic development (By similarity). Homodimer (via extracellular region). Can also form heterodimers with other cadherins (via extracellular region). Dimerization occurs in trans, i.e. with a cadherin chain from another cell (By similarity). Interacts with CTNNA2 (PubMed:1638632). Detected in embryonic brain and heart (at protein level) (PubMed:1638632). Detected in embryonic brain and heart (PubMed:2831236). Three calcium ions are usually bound at the interface of each cadherin domain and rigidify the connections, imparting a strong curvature to the full-length ectodomain. Calcium-binding sites are occupied sequentially in the order of site 3, then site 2 and site 1.