Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.0.0)
Enables several functions, including DNA-binding transcription repressor activity, RNA polymerase II-specific; RNA polymerase II cis-regulatory region sequence-specific DNA binding activity; and chromatin binding activity. Involved in several processes, including negative regulation of ectoderm development; negative regulation of mesoderm development; and nephron epithelium morphogenesis. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including kidney development; limb morphogenesis; and nervous system development. Located in nucleus. Part of NuRD complex and heterochromatin. Is expressed in several structures, including autopod; central nervous system; embryo mesenchyme; metanephros; and sensory organ. Used to study Townes-Brocks syndrome. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in Townes-Brocks syndrome; middle lobe syndrome; and renal Wilms' tumor. Orthologous to human SALL1 (spalt like transcription factor 1).