Transcription factor that is selectively and transiently expressed in cleavage-stage embryos . Binds to double-stranded DNA elements with the consensus sequence 5'-TAATCTAATCA-3' (  ). Binds to chromatin containing histone H3 acetylated at 'Lys-27' (H3K27ac) and promotes deacetylation of H3K27ac. In parallel, binds to chromatin that lacks histone H3 acetylation at 'Lys-27' (H3K27ac) and recruits EP300 and CREBBP to promote acetylation of histone H3 at 'Lys-27' at new sites . Involved in transcriptional regulation of numerous genes, primarily as transcriptional activator, but mediates also repression of a set of target genes (   , ). Promotes expression of ZSCAN4 and KDM4E, two proteins with essential roles during early embryogenesis ( , ). Heterologous expression in cultured embryonic stem cells mediates also transcription of HERVL retrotransposons and transcripts derived from ACRO1 and HSATII satellite repeats . May activate expression of PITX1 . May regulate microRNA (miRNA) expression . Inappropriate expression can inhibit myogenesis and promote apoptosis ( ).
Probably inactive as a transcriptional activator, due to the absence of the C-terminal region that is important for transcriptional activation. Can inhibit transcriptional activation mediated by isoform 1. Heterologous expression of isoform 2 has no deleterious effect on cell survival.
Subcellular locations: Nucleus
Actively transported through the nuclear pore complex (NPC).
Subcellular locations: Nucleus
Isoform 1: Does not seem to be expressed in normal muscle, but is detected in muscle of individuals with FSHD, and also in testis (at protein level) (, ). Isoform 1: Does not seem to be expressed in normal muscle, but in muscle of individuals with FSHD, where it may be toxic to cells (, ). Isoform 2: Detected in skeletal muscle, fibroblasts and testis from healthy individuals .