Sequence-specific DNA-binding protein that interacts with inducible viral and cellular enhancer elements to regulate transcription of selected genes. AP-2 factors bind to the consensus sequence 5'-GCCNNNGGC-3' and activate genes involved in a large spectrum of important biological functions including proper eye, face, body wall, limb and neural tube development. They also suppress a number of genes including MCAM/MUC18, C/EBP alpha and c-Myc. AP-2-alpha is the only AP-2 protein required for early morphogenesis of the lens vesicle. Together with the CITED2 coactivator, stimulates the PITX2 P1 promoter transcription activation. Associates with chromatin to the PITX2 P1 promoter region (By similarity). Binds DNA as a dimer. Can form homodimers or heterodimers with other AP-2 family members. Interacts with WWOX. Interacts with CITED4. Interacts with UBE2I. Interacts with RALBP1 in a complex also containing EPN1 and NUMB during interphase and mitosis. Interacts with KCTD1; this interaction represses transcription activation. Interacts (via C-terminus) with CITED2 (via C-terminus); the interaction stimulates TFAP2A-transcriptional activation. Interacts (via N-terminus) with EP300 (via N-terminus); the interaction requires CITED2 (By similarity). Interacts with KCTD15; this interaction inhibits TFAP2A transcriptional activation (By similarity). In the brain, highly expressed in the hippocampus, hypothalamus and cerebral cortex. During retinoic acid-mediated differentiation and by nerve growth factor (NGF). Inhibited by the antidepressants, citalopram and imipramin. The PPxY motif mediates interaction with WWOX. Sumoylated on Lys-10; which inhibits transcriptional activity. The antidepressants, citalopram, imipramin and lithium-chloride decrease the DNA-binding activity. Belongs to the AP-2 family.