The protein encoded by this gene is a DNA binding homeobox transcription factor involved in embryonic stem (ES) cell proliferation, renewal, and pluripotency. The encoded protein can block ES cell differentiation and can also autorepress its own expression in differentiating cells. Two transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2015] see less The protein encoded by this gene is a DNA binding homeobox transcription factor involved in embryonic stem (ES) cell proliferation, renewal, and pluripotency. The encoded protein can block ES cell differentiation and can also autorepress its own expression in differentiating cells. Two transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2015]