DACH1, originally discovered in drosophila eye development, is an essential member of RDGN (Retinal Determination Gene Network). This protein behaves as a tumor suppressor, and its expression is reduced in several cancers. The ectopic expression of DACH1 inhibits cellular proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. DACH1 is richly expressed in embryonal kidney cells and adult kidney tissues, but dramatically decreases in renal cancer cells.