Homeodomain proteins, such as MIXL1, are transcription factors that regulate cell fate during development (Hart et al., 2005 [PubMed 15982639]).[supplied by OMIM].
Function: Transcription factor that play a central role in proper axial mesendoderm morphogenesis and endoderm formation. Required for efficient differentiation of cells from the primitive streak stage to blood, by acting early in the recruitment and/or expansion of mesodermal progenitors to the hemangioblastic and hematopoietic lineages. Also involved in the morphogenesis of the heart and the gut during embryogenesis. Acts as a negative regulator of brachyury expression (By similarity).