Binds specifically to the gamma F-1-binding motif of the gamma F-crystallin promoter. May have a regulatory role in sclerotome specification and/or differentiation. Isoform 2 functions as a transcriptional repressor in lens cells. Interacts with CtBP. Additional isoforms seem to exist. Isoform 1 is highly expressed in kidney and lung. Expression of isoform 2 is higher in the lens, retina and stomach, and extremely low in heart, muscle, kidney and lung. Isoform 3 is weakly expressed in heart, kidney and lens. In the embryo of stage 11, expressed predominantly in the head mesenchyme surrounding the brain and in the paraxial mesoderm. Highly expressed in presomitic mesoderm and then over the entire epithelial somite. During somitic differentiation, expression becomes restricted to the sclerotome. In the developing lens, expression is most active at the beginning of lens fiber cell differentiation. Belongs to the krueppel C2H2-type zinc-finger protein family. Hic subfamily.