Since they lack a putative transactivation domain, the small Mafs behave as transcriptional repressors when they dimerize among themselves . However, they seem to serve as transcriptional activators by dimerizing with other (usually larger) basic-zipper proteins, such as NFE2L1/NRF1, and recruiting them to specific DNA-binding sites. Interacts with the upstream promoter region of the oxytocin receptor gene (, ). May be a transcriptional enhancer in the up-regulation of the oxytocin receptor gene at parturition .
Subcellular locations: Nucleus
Expressed in the term myometrium and kidney.