 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, in particular, odontogenesis, and tumor growth inhibition.There is also strong evidence from sequencing studies of candidate genes involved in clefting that mutations in the MSX1 gene may be associated in the pathogenesis of cleft lip and palate.