Functions as a transcriptional regulator binding to DNA sequences in the promoter region of target genes and regulating positively or negatively their expression. Oncogene which plays a role in development, cell proliferation and differentiation. May also play a role in apoptosis through regulation of the JNK and TGF-beta signaling. Involved in hematopoiesis.
Displays histone methyltransferase activity and monomethylates 'Lys-9' of histone H3 (H3K9me1) in vitro. Probably catalyzes the monomethylation of free histone H3 in the cytoplasm which is then transported to the nucleus and incorporated into nucleosomes where SUV39H methyltransferases use it as a substrate to catalyze histone H3 'Lys-9' trimethylation. Likely to be one of the primary histone methyltransferases along with PRDM16 that direct cytoplasmic H3K9me1 methylation.
Subcellular locations: Nucleus, Nucleus speckle, Cytoplasm