This gene encodes a member of the ZIC family of C2H2-type zinc finger proteins. This protein functions as a transcriptional repressor and may regulate tissue specific expression of dopamine receptor D1. Expansion of an alanine repeat in the C-terminus of the encoded protein and other mutations in this gene cause holoprosencephaly type 5. Holoprosencephaly is the most common structural anomaly of the human brain. A polyhistidine tract polymorphism in this gene may be associated with increased risk of neural tube defects. This gene is closely linked to a gene encoding zinc finger protein of the cerebellum 5, a related family member on chromosome 13.