This gene is one of two genes which encode a protein similar to the Drosophila protein dachshund, a transcription factor involved in cell fate determination in the eye, limb and genital disc of the fly. The encoded protein contains two characteristic dachshund domains: an N-terminal domain responsible for DNA binding and a C-terminal domain responsible for protein-protein interactions. This gene is located on the X chromosome and is subject to inactivation by DNA methylation. The encoded protein may be involved in regulation of organogenesis and myogenesis, and may play a role in premature ovarian failure. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2008].
Function: Transcription factor that is involved in regulation of organogenesis. Seems to be a regulator for SIX1 and SIX6. Seems to act as a corepressor of SIX6 in regulating proliferation by directly repressing cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, including the p27Kip1 promoter. Is recruited with SIX6 to the p27Kip1 promoter in embryonal retina. SIX6 corepression seems also to involve NCOR1, TBL1, HDAC1 and HDAC3. May be involved together with PAX3, SIX1, and EYA2 in regulation of myogenesis. In the developing somite, expression of DACH2 and PAX3 is regulated by the overlying ectoderm, and DACH2 and PAX3 positively regulate each other's expression (By similarity). Probably binds to DNA via its DACHbox-N domain.