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. [provided by RefSeq, Dec 2009].
Blixt, Mahlapuu, Aitola, Pelto-Huikko, Enerbäck, Carlsson: "A forkhead gene, FoxE3, is essential for lens epithelial proliferation and closure of the lens vesicle." in: Genes & development, Vol. 14, Issue 2, pp. 245-54, (2000) (PubMed).