The encoded protein acts as a transcription factor containing a bicoid-like homeodomain and plays a crucial role in the development of the brain, cerebral cortex, and sensory organs.[58] Studies have shown an association between overexpression of OTX1 and colorectal, breast, hepatocellular carcinoma, and bladder cancer.[59] Recent findings in colorectal cancer have shown that depleting OTX1 expression in vitro inhibits proliferation and invasion. Here, OTX1 is linked to urinary bladder cancer.