Regulates chordin (CHRD). May play a role in spatial programing within discrete embryonic fields or lineage compartments during organogenesis (By similarity). In concert with NKX3-2, plays a role in defining the structural components of the middle ear; required for the development of the entire tympanic ring. Goosecoid-expressing regions of the gastrulating mouse egg cylinder have organizer-like activity when transplanted into Xenopus embryos. Probably involved in the regulatory networks that define neural crest cell fate specification and determine mesoderm cell lineages in mammals (By similarity). In early gastrulation, expressed in the dorsal lip. In later stages of development found in head, limbs and body wall. In the embryo, expressed in the postotic cranial neural crest cells, the frontonasal prominence, the first branchial arch and cleft, and specific regions of large joints. By activin. Belongs to the paired homeobox family. Bicoid subfamily.