This gene encodes a member of the nectin family of proteins, which function as adhesion molecules at adherens junctions. This family member interacts with other nectin-like proteins and with afadin, a filamentous actin-binding protein involved in the regulation of directional motility, cell proliferation and survival. This gene plays a role in ocular development involving the ciliary body. Mutations in this gene are believed to result in congenital ocular defects. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2011].