Drosophila,muscle segment (msh) homolog 1,homeo domain encoding gene,inhibiting MYOD1 expression,highly expressed in dental mesenchyme during critical bud stage,involved in epithelial-mesenchymal signaling in many organs,and in the pathogenesis of cleft lip and palate,interacting with MSX2 in mouse limb bud patterning .This gene encodes a member of the muscle segment homeobox gene family. The encoded protein functions as a transcriptional repressor during embryogenesis through interactions with components of the core transcription complex and other homeoproteins. It may also have roles in limb-pattern formation, craniofacial development, particularly odontogenesis, and tumor growth inhibition.Tissue specificity: Expressed in the developing nail bed mesenchyme.