Transcriptional regulator. Recognizes and binds to the DNA sequence 5'-GCG(T/G)GGGCG-3'(EGR-site) in the promoter region of target genes (By similarity). Binds double-stranded target DNA, irrespective of the cytosine methylation status (By similarity). Regulates the transcription of numerous target genes, and thereby plays an important role in regulating the response to growth factors, DNA damage, and ischemia. Plays a role in the regulation of cell survival, proliferation and cell death. Mediates responses to ischemia and hypoxia; regulates the expression of proteins that are involved in inflammatory processes (By similarity). Plays a role in regulating the expression of circadian clock genes (By similarity). Expressed in the presumptive mesoderm. In blastula embryos, expressed in the dorsal marginal zone, and at the onset of gastrulation expression is specific to the Spemann organizer. As gastrulation proceeds, expressed in a ring around the yolk plug. This expression is maintained in advanced gastrulae, with weak expression also extending into the dorsal midline. By the neurula stage, expression is excluded from the notochord. In late tailbud stages, expressed in two spots in the anterior forebrain, which are connected via a bridge of cells that also show expression. Expressed both maternally and zygotically. Expressed at a low level maternally, with expression strongly increasing with the onset of gastrulation, then decreasing again in later stages of embryonic development with expression undetectable during neurulation. Expressed in adults. By dorsalizing and ventralizing growth factors during mesoderm induction. Responds to the FGF-induced MAPK/Ets-serum response factor (srf-elk1)-signaling pathway. Induced by activin and bmp4 acting indirectly via an FGF-signaling pathway. Induced in response to wound-induced activation of the MAPK pathway. Induced by both t/bra and foxa4/pintallavis alone, with maximal activation requiring both transcription factors. Induction by t/bra is indirect and probably occurs via the FGF-signaling pathway, whereas induction by foxa4/pintallavis may be direct. Binds to DNA motifs with the sequence 5'-GCG(T/G)GGGCG-3' via its C2H2-type zinc fingers. The first, most N-terminal zinc finger binds to the 3'-GCG motif, the middle zinc finger interacts with the central TGG motif, and the C-terminal zinc finger binds to the 5'-GCG motif. Binds double-stranded target DNA, irrespective of the cytosine methylation status. Has reduced affinity for target DNA where the cytosines have been oxidized to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine. Does not bind target DNA where the cytosines have been oxidized to 5-formylcytosine or 5-carboxylcytosine. Belongs to the EGR C2H2-type zinc-finger protein family.