This gene encodes a member of the desmoglein subgroup of desmosomal cadherins. The encoded protein is a transmembrane component in 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 potentially in other skin disorders. Alternate splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2009]