May be involved in the cell-cell adhesion. May play a role in adipocyte differentiation and development of obesity. Is required for normal small intestine development (By similarity). Predominantly expressed in epithelial cells within different tissues and in the white adipose tissue. Expressed at high levels in the heart and brain, at intermediate levels in the lung, skeletal muscle, kidney and testis and at low levels in the liver and spleen. Up-regulated in mature adipocytes and adipocyte tissue of obese animals.