This gene encodes a member of a homeobox transcription factor gene family similiar to the Drosophila distal-less gene. The encoded protein may play a role in bone development and fracture healing. Mutation in this gene, which is located in a tail-to-tail configuration with another member of the family on the long arm of chromosome 7, may be associated with split-hand/split-foot malformation.DLX5 (Distal-Less Homeobox 5) is a Protein Coding gene. Diseases associated with DLX5 include Split-Hand/Foot Malformation 1 With Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Split Hand Foot Malformation 1. Among its related pathways are Signaling pathways regulating pluripotency of stem cells and Neural Crest Differentiation. GO annotations related to this gene include RNA polymerase II core promoter proximal region sequence-specific DNA binding and transcriptional activator activity, RNA polymerase II core promoter proximal region sequence-specific binding. An important paralog of this gene is DLX3.