Sequence-specific DNA-binding protein that interacts with inducible viral and cellular enhancer elements to regulate transcription of selected genes. AP-2 factors bind to the consensus sequence 5'-GCCNNNGGC-3' and activate genes involved in a large spectrum of important biological functions including proper eye, face, body wall, limb and neural tube development. They also suppress a number of genes including MCAM/MUC18, C/EBP alpha and MYC (By similarity).
Subcellular locations: Nucleus
Highly expressed in brain, placenta, skeletal muscle, thymus, small intestine, and prostate, and expressed at lower levels in leukocyte, spleen, testis, ovary and colon. Barely detectable in heart, kidney, liver, lung or pancreas.