May play a role during embryogenesis. May modulate tooth organogenesis since alterations of this protein function affect tooth organs size as well as individual cell fate and survival. In embryonic cells, blockage of the function results in increased number of apoptotic cells, reduced proliferation, alterations in cell shape and fibronection matrix synthesis. Expressed in lung, liver and heart, with higher expression in teeth. Detected at 8 dpc in developing organs, including brain, heart, lung and intestines. Expressed at 14 dpc and 16 dpc at the periphery of developing organs such as bones and teeth.