SCUBE1 is an EGF-related protein with a CUB (C1s-like) domain that is expressed primarily in the developing gonad, nervous system, somites, surface ectoderm and limb buds. The N-terminal EGF-like repeats of SCUBE1 participate in the formation of adhesions in a Ca2+-dependent fashion. In contrast, the C-terminal cysteine-rich motifs and CUB domain can directly bind and antagonize bone morphogenic protein activity; genetic ablation of this region resulted in brain malformation in mice embryos, suggesting SCUBE1 plays a role in brain morphogenesis. SCUBE1 has also been implicated in early craniofacial development in mice.