Acts as a mediator of epithelial dynamics and organ branching by promoting cleft progression. Induced following accumulation of fibronectin in forming clefts, leading to local expression of the cell-scattering SNAIL2 and suppression of E-cadherin levels, thereby altering cell morphology and reducing cell-cell adhesion. This stimulates cell separation at the base of forming clefts by local, dynamic intercellular gap formation and promotes cleft progression (By similarity). Extended N-terminus. Truncated N-terminus. Probable cloning artifact. Probable cloning artifact.