This intronless gene belongs to the forkhead family of transcription factors, which is characterized by a distinct forkhead domain. The protein encoded functions as a lens-specific transcription factor and plays an important role in vertebrate lens formation. Mutations in this gene are associated with anterior segment mesenchymal dysgenesis and congenital primary aphakia.Synonyms: FREAC8, Forkhead box protein E3, Forkhead-related protein FKHL12, Forkhead-related transcription factor 8