Transcription factor that can both act as an activator or a repressor depending on the context. Plays a central role in BMP signaling and olfactory neurogenesis. Associates with SMADs in response to BMP2 leading to activate transcription of BMP target genes. Acts as a transcriptional repressor via its interaction with EBF1, a transcription factor involved in terminal olfactory receptor neurons differentiation; this interaction preventing EBF1 to bind DNA and activate olfactory-specific genes. Involved in olfactory neurogenesis by participating in a developmental switch that regulates the transition from differentiation to maturation in olfactory receptor neurons. Controls proliferation and differentiation of neural precursors in cerebellar vermis formation.
Subcellular locations: Nucleus
Expressed in brain, lung, skeletal muscle, heart, pancreas and kidney but not liver or placenta. Also expressed in aorta, ovary, pituitary, small intestine, fetal brain, fetal kidney and, within the adult brain, in the substantia nigra, medulla, amygdala, thalamus and cerebellum.