Developmental changes in expression, subcellular distribution, and function of Drosophila N-cadherin, guided by a cell-intrinsic program during neuronal differentiation

► CadN exhibits a distinct expression pattern in developing and mature neurons. ► CadN is required for both axon guidance and synaptogenesis during differentiation. ► The developmental switch for CadN expression is cell autonomous. ► Cation influx in developing neurons can shift CadN expression to the mature level.