Binds to DNA, at nuclear matrix- or scaffold-associated regions. Thought to recognize the sugar-phosphate structure of double-stranded DNA. Transcription factor controlling nuclear gene expression, by binding to matrix attachment regions (MARs) of DNA and inducing a local chromatin-loop remodeling. Acts as a docking site for several chromatin remodeling enzymes and also by recruiting corepressors (HDACs) or coactivators (HATs) directly to promoters and enhancers. Required for the initiation of the upper-layer neurons (UL1) specific genetic program and for the inactivation of deep-layer neurons (DL) and UL2 specific genes, probably by modulating Bcl11b expression. Repressor of Ctip2 and regulatory determinant of corticocortical connections in the developing cerebral cortex. May play an important role in palate formation. Acts as a molecular node in a transcriptional network regulating skeletal development and osteoblast differentiation. Interacts with PIAS1 (By similarity). Interacts with ATF4 and RUNX2; resulting in enhanced DNA binding and transactivation by these transcription factors. Expressed in cortical neurons that extend axons across the corpus callosum. Also expressed in branchial arches and in cells of the osteoblast lineage, but not in chondrocytes and osteoclasts. Expression first detected at 10.5 dpc in the maxillary component of the first pharyngeal arch and the lateral aspect of the frontonasal process in the regions that will subsequently fuse to form the primary palate. At 11 - 11.5 dpc, the expression pattern demarcates the region of the medial aspect of the maxillary process within the primitive oral cavity, which will form the palate shelf. By 12.5 dpc, symmetrical expression is seen in the medial edges of the developing palate shelves and this continues until 13.5 dpc when the strongest expression is in the mesenchyme underlying the medial edge epithelia. By the time of palatal shelf fusion at 14.5 dpc the expression is dramatically down-regulated. No expression detected elsewhere in the embryo at any stage examined. Sumoylated by PIAS1. Sumoylation promotes nuclear localization, but represses transcription factor activity (By similarity). Malformations in 2 of the major axonal tracts interconnecting the cortical hemispheres: the corpus callosum (c.c) and the anterior commissure (a.c). Misrouted afferent and efferent cortical axon connections. Impaired migration of upper-layer neurons. Ectopic expression of Ctip2. Craniofacial abnormalities and defects in osteoblast differentiation and function. Belongs to the CUT homeobox family.