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). Expressed in the otic placode beginning at stage 10 and exhibits a dynamic expression pattern during formation and further differentiation of the otic vesicle. Regulated by DAN in inner ear. Belongs to the HMX homeobox family.