May play a role in determining the production of hemoglobin S. May act as a repressor. During embryonic development, plays a role in palatogenesis. Branchial arches, molar and incisor teeth and limbs. Expressed in the mesenchyme of the anterior palate at 12.5 dpc, prior to the time of palate closure. Expression levels decrease at later time periods after palate closure. Belongs to the distal-less homeobox family.