Sequence-specific transcription factor (By similarity). Regulates multiple developmental processes including brainstem, inner and outer ear, abducens nerve and cardiovascular development and morphogenesis as well as cognition and behavior . Also part of a developmental regulatory system that provides cells with specific positional identities on the anterior-posterior axis. Acts on the anterior body structures. Seems to act in the maintenance and/or generation of hindbrain segments . Activates transcription in the presence of PBX1A and PKNOX1 .