This gene encodes a homeobox protein originally described as a retina-specific transcription factor. Mutations in this gene are associated with microphthalmia, cataracts and iris abnormalities. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2009] see less This gene encodes a homeobox protein originally described as a retina-specific transcription factor. Mutations in this gene are associated with microphthalmia, cataracts and iris abnormalities. [provided by RefSeq, Oct 2009]