Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.1.0)
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 protein homodimerization activity. Involved in negative regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II. Acts upstream of or within with a negative effect on canonical Wnt signaling pathway and gene expression. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including ERK1 and ERK2 cascade; cell surface receptor signaling pathway; and endocrine system development. Located in nucleus. Is expressed in several structures, including early conceptus; embryo ectoderm; embryo endoderm; genitourinary system; and thymus. Used to study hypopituitarism and septooptic dysplasia. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in septooptic dysplasia. Orthologous to human HESX1 (HESX homeobox 1).