Essential for neural crest development, converting cells from an epidermal fate to a neural crest cell fate. Binds to DNA. Expressed in the embryonic ectoderm before gastrulation, and gradually restricted to the anterior part from the mid to late streak stage. Becomes restricted to the dorsal side of the neural tube at 8 dpc. After neural tube closure, is expressed in the dorsal midline of the entire neural tube and in the roof plate. Also expressed in the developing limb buds. Mice exhibited insufficient neural tube closure at the rostral end and malformation of neural-crest-derived facial bones especially the mandible. After birth, mice were significantly smaller than their littermates and most of them died within 2 months. Belongs to the GLI C2H2-type zinc-finger protein family.