Calcium-dependent cell adhesion protein; preferentially mediates homotypic cell-cell adhesion (By similarity). Cadherins contribute to the sorting of heterogeneous cell types, and thereby play an important role during embryonic development (PubMed:12091300). Required for normal neural tube morphogenesis. Required to allow mid- and hindbrain neurons to reach and maintain their appropriate positions within the neural tube by restricting neuronal motility within the embryonic mid- and hindbrain (PubMed:12091300). 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. Expression in the embryo is initially found in all deep cells but later becomes restricted to various epithelial and neuronal tissues. Found in discrete areas of cell-cell adhesion when epiboly is nearly completed. Expressed in adult brain, eyes and trunk. Expression is first detected in the embryo during gastrulation. 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.