The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the LIM homeobox family of proteins, which are involved in patterning and differentiation of various tissue types. These proteins contain two tandemly repeated cysteine-rich double-zinc finger motifs known as LIM domains, in addition to a DNA-binding homeodomain. This family member is a transcription factor that plays a role in tooth morphogenesis. It is also involved in oogenesis and in neuronal differentiation. This gene is a candidate gene for cleft palate, and it is also associated with odontoma formation. Alternative splicing of this gene results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Jan 2012]