This gene is a member of theAntp homeobox family and encodes a nuclear protein with ahomeoboxDNA-binding domain. It is included in acluster of Homeobox B genes located on chromosome 17. The encoded protein functions as a sequence-specifictranscription factor that is involved in development. Increasedexpression of this gene is associated withcolorectal cancer. Mice that have had the murine ortholog (seeHomology (biology) § Orthology) of this gene knocked out exhibit an excessive pathologic grooming behavior. This behavior is similar to the hair-pulling behavior of humans suffering fromtrichotillomania (TTM).[7]
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