This gene belongs to the protocadherin gene family, a subfamily of the cadherin superfamily. The encoded protein consists of an extracellular domain containing 7 cadherin repeats, a transmembrane domain and a cytoplasmic tail that differs from those of the classical cadherins. The gene is located in a major X/Y block of homology and its Y homolog, despite divergence leading to coding region changes, is the most closely related cadherin family member. The protein is thought to play a fundamental role in cell-cell recognition essential for the segmental development and function of the central nervous system. Transcripts arising from alternative splicing encode isoforms with variable cytoplasmic domains. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008].