Enables DNA-binding transcription factor activity, RNA polymerase II-specific and cis-regulatory region sequence-specific DNA binding activity. Involved in dopaminergic neuron differentiation and embryo development. Predicted to be located in nucleus. Expressed in several structures, including ABarpa; anterior hypodermis; neuronal sheath cell; neurons; and somatic nervous system. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in several diseases, including amelogenesis imperfecta type 4; orofacial cleft 15; and split hand-foot malformation (multiple). Is an ortholog of human DLX1 (distal-less homeobox 1).