Probable transcriptional regulator involved in developmental processes. May act as a transcriptional repressor (Potential). Interacts (via homeobox domain) with APBB1 (via PID domain 1). From 12.5 dpc, expressed in the mesenchyme of the developing middle ear, within areas surrounding the condensing malleus and tympanic ring and on both sides of the external acoustic meatus. At 12.5 dpc, borders and surrounds the future cartilages, but excluded from cartilaginous condensations. Not detected in mesenchymal cells in proximal ureters at 14 dpc. Normal Mendelian ratio at birth, but none of the mutant animals survive beyond P0. Newborn mutant mice exhibit a strong defect of the soft palate, vertebral malformations in the cervical and thoracic regions of the axial skeleton and malformations in the middle ear components. Belongs to the teashirt C2H2-type zinc-finger protein family. Truncated N-terminus. Extended N-terminus.