Controls cell shape changes in the neuroepithelium during neural tube closure (PubMed:14680628). Induces apical constriction in epithelial cells by promoting the apical accumulation of F-actin and myosin II, and probably by bundling stress fibers (PubMed:14680628). Induces apicobasal cell elongation by redistributing gamma-tubulin and directing the assembly of robust apicobasal microtubule arrays (PubMed:17329357). Interacts with F-actin. Interacts with ROCK1. Colocalizes with F-actin in stress fibers and adherens junctions. Expressed in epithelial cells of the cement gland. Expresseion initiates in the anterior neural plate and extends posteriorly as neurulation proceeds. At the end of neurulation, expressed in the otic and nasal placodes. The ASD1 domain mediates F-actin binding. The ASD2 domain mediates the interaction with ROCK1 and is required for apical constriction induction. Belongs to the shroom family.