This gene encodes a member of the desmoglein subgroup of desmosomal cadherins. The encoded preproprotein is proteolytically processed to generate the mature protein. This protein is a transmembrane component of desmosomes and may play a role in cell-cell adhesion in epithelial cells. Mutations in the gene are associated with localized autosomal recessive hypotrichosis and monilethrix, characterized by impaired hair growth. [provided by RefSeq, May 2016],