Enables DNA-binding transcription repressor activity, RNA polymerase II-specific and RNA polymerase II transcription regulatory region sequence-specific DNA binding activity. Involved in negative regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II. Predicted to be active in nucleus. Is expressed in several structures, including branchial arch; cranial ganglion; eye; genitourinary system; and peripheral nervous system. Used to study oculoauricular syndrome. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in oculoauricular syndrome. Orthologous to human HMX1 (H6 family homeobox 1). [provided by Alliance of Genome Resources, Apr 2022]