Transcription factor involved in specification of neuronal cell types and which is required for inner ear and hypothalamus development. Binds to the 5'-CAAGTG-3' core sequence (By similarity). May act as a stage-specific inhibitor of anf1 in the anterior neural plate during the development. Expressed in the embryonic brain and in the ciliated cells of the otic and lateral line placodes. Also expressed in precursors of the epidermal ciliated cells. Expressed early in the anterior neural plate starts early. Belongs to the HMX homeobox family.