Probable transcription factor that plays a role in eye development before, during, and after optic fissure closure. Highest levels in adult brain (in different areas). Lower levels in heart; very low levels in kidney and pancreas. Expressed throughout the retina and lens vesicle as well as the periocular mesenchyme. In fetal brain exclusively in pontine nuclei. Expressed at 5 weeks of development, the stage at which optic fissure closure starts. Expression is maintained in the developing retina up to 8 weeks; after completion of fissure closure, it is restricted to the inner neuroblastic layer. Expressed in the cornea, lens, and retina at different developmental stages. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. Belongs to the sal C2H2-type zinc-finger protein family. Extended N-terminus.