Transcription factor involved in regulation of gene expression in a variety of processes including formation of positional identity in the developing retina, regionalization of the optic chiasm, morphogenesis of the kidney, and neuralization of ectodermal cells (PubMed:15509772, PubMed:15634693, PubMed:9811586). Involved in transcriptional activation of PGF and C3 genes (By similarity). Predominantly expressed in the CNS and temporal half of the retina. Also expressed in the condensed head mesenchyme, metanephric blastema of the developing kidney, cortex of the adrenal gland, condensed mesenchyme at the base of the follicles of vibrassae and cartilage perichondrium of the developing vertebrate. At 9.5 dpc embryos, expressed in a limited region of the neuroepithelium and also in the temporal half of the primary optic cup and the optic stalk. At 10.5 dpc, seen in the hypothalamus, temporal half of the optic stalk, and temporal hemiretina. At 12.5 dpc and 13.5 dpc a high expression is seen in regions of condensed mesenchyme of the head, and as neuroepithelial cells begin to differentiate and migrate outward from the ventricular zone, expression declines markedly. By 16.5 dpc levels are diminished and restricted to unfused pockets along the exhausted ventricular zone. Mice show disrupted cell identity in the ventrotemporal area of the retina and aberrant morphogenesis of the optic chiasm. Their kidneys remain fused, have a disorganised ureteric tree and fail to ascend to a lumbar position. Was originally assigned to be BF-2 (FOXG1).