Involved in transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta)-induced smooth muscle differentiation. TGF-beta induces expression and translocation of OLFM2 to the nucleus where it binds to SRF, causing its dissociation from the transcriptional repressor HEY2/HERP1 and facilitating binding of SRF to target genes . Plays a role in AMPAR complex organization (By similarity). Is a regulator of vascular smooth-muscle cell (SMC) phenotypic switching, that acts by promoting RUNX2 and inhibiting MYOCD binding to SRF. SMC phenotypic switching is the process through which vascular SMCs undergo transition between a quiescent contractile phenotype and a proliferative synthetic phenotype in response to pathological stimuli. SMC phenotypic plasticity is essential for vascular development and remodeling (By similarity).
Subcellular locations: Secreted, Synapse, Membrane, Nucleus, Cytoplasm
Nuclear localization is induced by TGF-beta.
Expressed in aortic smooth muscle (at protein level) . In the fetus, expressed in the brain and ocular tissues including lens vesicle and optic cup .