Transcription factor that specifies expression of key genes in developing central nervous system (CNS). Essential for many, if not all, late developing neuroblastoma (NB) sublineages. Binds to the 5'-[CG]C[CT][CT]AAAAA[AT]-3' DNA sequence, like hb, suggesting that cas and hb act as a late regulators in early and late CNS NB sublineage, respectively. Acts by repressing expression of nub/pdm-1 and pdm2/pdm-2 POU genes, and restrict their pattern of expression in appropriate cells. Required for a full expression of vvl/drifter and acj6/I-POU; it is however unknown whether it directly activates these genes. Controls engrailed (en) expression in the ventral nerve chord. Expressed in a specific subset of neuroblasts in the ventral nerve cord and the procephalic region in the embryo. Expressed in many, if not all, late delaminating NBs, and in early NBs, but only after they have undergone several rounds of ganglion mother cell-producing divisions. Expressed in embryos. Expressed from blastoderm embryos. Not expressed in first and second instar larvae. Weakly expressed in third instar larvae. May be weakly expressed in adults.