May function as a linker between cadherin adhesion receptors and the cytoskeleton to regulate cell-cell adhesion and differentiation in the nervous system. Interacts with CDH1 and CDH2. Mainly in the nervous system (at protein level). Expressed in the neural tube, dorsal root glanglia, spinal nerves and myotome at E4. Expressed in neuronal and glial cell populations as detected at E10 (at protein level). Belongs to the vinculin/alpha-catenin family.