Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.0.0)
Enables transcription cis-regulatory region binding activity. Involved in several processes, including kidney development; negative regulation of apoptotic process; and regulation of epithelial cell differentiation involved in kidney development. Acts upstream of or within epithelial cell differentiation; metanephros development; and thyroid gland development. Located in nucleus. Is expressed in several structures, including central nervous system; embryo ectoderm; genitourinary system; gut; and sensory organ. Used to study congenital hypothyroidism. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in congenital hypothyroidism and congenital nongoitrous hypothyroidism 2. Orthologous to human PAX8 (paired box 8).