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. PB-cadherins may have a role in the morphological organization of pituitary gland and brain tissues. Predominantly expressed in brain. Abundant in olfactory bulb, cerebrum, and cerebellum, less in pons, medulla, and spinal cord. Low expression in heart. No expression in lung, liver, spleen, kidney, testis, stomach, intestine, colon, and placenta. Expressed at 9.5 dpc onwards. At 10.5 dpc, in brain (telencephalic vesicles and isthmus), spinal cord and limb buds (in the zone of polarizing activity). At 14.5 dpc, in olfactory bulb and cerebellum. Down-regulated by thyroid hormone. 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.