Ventral anterior homeobox 2 (Vax2)

Transcription factor that may be the dorsoventral specification of the forebrain. Regulates the expression of Wnt signaling antagonists such as the expression of a truncated TCF7L2 isoform that can't bind CTNNB1 and acts so as a potent dominant-negative Wnt antagonist.

Plays a crucial role in eye development and, in particular, in the specification of the ventral optic vesicle. May be a regulator of axial polarization in the retina.