This gene encodes a classical cadherin of the cadherin superfamily. The encoded preproprotein is proteolytically processed to generate the mature glycoprotein. This calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion molecule is comprised of five extracellular cadherin repeats, a transmembrane region and a highly conserved cytoplasmic tail. Functioning as a classical cadherin by imparting to cells the ability to adhere in a homophilic manner, this protein plays a role in endothelial adherens junction assembly and maintenance. This gene is located in a gene cluster in a region on the long arm of chromosome 16 that is involved in loss of heterozygosity events in breast and prostate cancer.