This gene encodes a member of the Iroquois homeobox protein family. Homeobox genes in this family are involved in pattern formation in the embryo. The gene product has been identified as a tumor suppressor in gastric (PMID: 21602894, 20440264) and head and neck cancers (PMID: 18559491). A pseudogene of this gene is located on chromosome 13. [provided by RefSeq, Dec 2011].