Transcription factor that binds to the inverted palindrome 5'-GTTAATNATTAAC-3' (By similarity). Required for induction of rhombomere r5/r6 gene expression in the hindbrain. Binds DNA as a dimer. Can form homodimer or heterodimer with HNF1-alpha (By similarity). During embryonic development, expressed dynamically in the developing hindbrain, kidney (pronephros), gut, liver and pancreas; expressed in both intermediate mesoderm (precursor to the kidney) and the caudal hindbrain (including rhombomeres r5 and r6) at 10 hpf with expression diminishing caudally by 14 hpf. Strongly expressed in adult kidney, gut, liver and swim bladder; weakly expressed in brain, eye, testis, ovary and heart. Expressed both maternally and zygotically. Significantly expressed after the onset of gastrulation and throughout embryonic development. Belongs to the HNF1 homeobox family. It is uncertain whether Met-1 or Met-5 is the initiator.