zag-1 encodes a homeodomain protein of the ZFH class which consists of a homeodomain flanked by two clusters of C2H2-type zinc fingers and is related to transcriptional repressors encoded by Drosophila zfh-1 and the vertebrate ZEB genes; ZAG-1 is required for locomotion, for neuronal differentiation, and for proper axonal branching and fasciculation; from late embryogenesis through adult stages of development, ZAG-1 is expressed dynamically in head and tail neurons and in the intestinal and anal depressor muscles.
Predicted to enable DNA-binding transcription factor activity, RNA polymerase II-specific and RNA polymerase II cis-regulatory region sequence-specific DNA binding activity. Involved in several processes, including negative regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II; neuron differentiation; and regulation of cell differentiation. Located in nucleus. Expressed in body wall musculature; enteric muscle; neurons; pharynx; and somatic nervous system. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in Hirschsprung's disease; Mowat-Wilson syndrome; and corneal dystrophy (multiple). Is an ortholog of human ZEB1 (zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1) and ZEB2 (zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 2).
Map position created from combination of previous interpolated map position (based on known location of sequence) and allele information. Therefore this is not a genetic map position based on recombination frequencies or genetic experiments. This was done on advice of the CGC.