Probable transcription factor that plays a role in configuring the spinal circuits controlling stride in vertebrates. Involved in neuronal specification within a specific subdivision of spinal cord neurons and in the development of a coordinated locomotor network controlling limb movements. May regulate transcription during sexual development. Expressed in the spinal cord, in a small population of neurons located in the ventral horn and around the central canal. DMA domain interacts with ubiquitin. This sequence corresponds to the wild-type form. A truncated allele, allele A (AC J7FCF0), is linked to the ability to perform alternate gaits, which can be either pace or four-beat ambling gaits. The allele A sequence (AC J7FCF0) has a favorable effect on harness racing performance and on the diversification of the domestic horse, as the altered gait characteristics of a number of breeds apparently require this mutation. Homozygosity for the mutation is required, but not sufficient for pacing, as many Standardbred trotters and some Icelandic horses that are homozygous for this mutation do not pace. The allele A is not found in the following horse populations: Arabian horse, Gotland pony, North-Swedish draft horse, Przewalski's horse, Shetland pony, Swedish ardennes, Swedish warmblood and Thoroughbred. DMRT3 is a marker for a subset of spinal cord neurons (dI6). Belongs to the DMRT family. A gait on the wildside - Issue 154 of November 2013