Sequence-specific DNA-binding transcription factor that binds palindromic sequences within promoters and may activate or repress the transcription of a subset of genes (PubMed:8756334, PubMed:9753625). Most probably regulates the expression of genes involved in the development of mesenchyme-derived craniofacial structures. Early on in development, it plays a role in forebrain mesenchyme survival (PubMed:20451171). May also induce epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) through the expression of SNAI1 (PubMed:23288509). {ECO:0000269|PubMed:20451171, ECO:0000269|PubMed:23288509, ECO:0000269|PubMed:8756334, ECO:0000269|PubMed:9753625}. This is the function of ALX1 (ALX homeobox 1, Ensembl gene identifier ENSG00000180318).