FREM1 is a member of the FRAS1-related extracellular matrix protein family and is thought to play a role in craniofacial and renal development. FREM1 functions as an extracellular matrix protein that is essential for epidermal adhesion during embryogenesis and may also participate in epidermal differentiation. It is recognized by cells in the embryonic skin and hair follicles through different members of the integrin family. Deficiency in the Fras1/Frem genes gives rise to the bleb phenotype, which is equivalent to the human hereditary disorder Fraser syndrome.