An adhesion molecule that interacts with extracellular matrix molecules in developing teeth and may play important roles in differentiation and maintenance of odontoblasts as well as in dentin formation. Interacts with heparin, FBLN1, FN1 and DSPP. Preferentially binds dental mesenchyme cells and odontoblasts but not dental epithelial cells or nondental cells. Binding requires a heparan sulfate-containing receptor on the cell surface as well as an integrin. Highly expressed in newborn incisors and molars. A weaker expression is seen in the brain, kidneys, muscles and bones. Expressed by preodontoblasts and odontoblasts in developing teeth. Localizes to the apical pericellular regions of preodontoblasts. When the dentin matrix is fully formed and dentin mineralization occurs, it is present in the predentin matrix and along the dentinal tubules. It is also expressed in the developing growth plate cartilage, hair follicles and extraembryonic areas of the placenta. N-glycosylated. Belongs to the fibulin family.