The region-specific homeotic gene sal (spalt) of Drosophila encodes a zinc finger protein of unusual but characteristic structure. These unique features were used to isolate sal-like genes from humans. Two sal-like transcription units SALL1 and SALL2, located on chromosomes 16q12.1 and 14q11.1-q12.1 respectively, have been isolated and characterized. SALL1 and SALL2 transcripts are expressed in a limited number of adult organs, including the brain. SALL2 is evenly expressed in different brain areas. Transcripts of both genes can be detected in fetal brain neurons. The arrangement of sal-like zinc finger domains and their high degree of sequence similarity suggest a novel and conserved subfamily of human zinc finger transcription factors that is closely related to the Drosophila gene product encoded by the gene sal.