Enables sequence-specific DNA binding activity. Involved in camera-type eye development; negative regulation of lens fiber cell differentiation; and positive regulation of lens epithelial cell proliferation. Acts upstream of or within camera-type eye development; cell development; and positive regulation of epithelial cell proliferation. Located in nucleus. Is expressed in several structures, including alimentary system; central nervous system; embryo ectoderm; eye; and heart. Used to study congenital aphakia. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in anterior segment dysgenesis; anterior segment dysgenesis 2; cataract 34 multiple types; and thoracic aortic aneurysm. Orthologous to human FOXE3 (forkhead box E3).
MGI Description
PHENOTYPE: Homozygotes for a spontaneous or null mutation display microphthalmia, fusion of the lens and cornea, and other corneal and lens abnormalities. Null mice have reduced smooth muscle cell density in the ascending aorta and show aortic remodeling and rupture of the aorta after TAC.
[provided by MGI curators]