[5][6] Both nidogen-1 and nidogen-2 are essential components of the basement membrane alongside other components such as type IV collagen, proteoglycans (heparan sulfate and glycosaminoglycans), laminin[7] and fibronectin.

[8] Nidogen-1 is a member of the nidogen family of basement membrane glycoproteins.

Structurally it (along with perlecan) connects the networks formed by collagens and laminins to each other.

[9] It may also play a role in cell interactions with the extracellular matrix.

[10][11] Mutations in NID1 cause autosomal dominant Dandy–Walker malformation with occipital encephalocele (ADDWOC).