IRX5 is a member of the Iroquois homeobox gene family. Members of this family appear to play multiple roles during pattern formation of vertebrate embryos.[supplied by OMIM, May 2004].
Function: Establishes the cardiac repolarization gradient by its repressive actions on the KCND2 potassium-channel gene. Required for retinal cone bipolar cell differentiation. May regulate contrast adaptation in the retina and control specific aspects of visual function in circuits of the mammalian retina (By similarity). Could be involved in the regulation of both the cell cycle and apoptosis in prostate cancer cells.