Transcriptional activator (PubMed:7628452). Binds to the consensus DNA sequence 5'-TCATTGTTGTTG-3' (PubMed:7628452). In cooperation with other transcription factors, binds to the promoter sequence of the crystallin gene to activate transcription in the lens (PubMed:7628452). Downstream SRRT target that mediates the promotion of neural stem cell self-renewal (By similarity). Keeps neural cells undifferentiated by counteracting the activity of proneural proteins and suppresses neuronal differentiation (PubMed:14517545). May function as a switch in neuronal development (PubMed:7748786). First expressed in the embryonic neural plate shortly before closure and expression continues in the neural tube. From stage 16 onwards, expressed throughout the CNS including the brain, with expression predominant in the undifferentiated cells of the neural epithelium. Also expressed at a low level in the retina and the gut epithelium. Highly expressed in the lens placode at stage 13 and in the lens at stage 17. Expression is maximal at stages 24-31, then begins to decline. Expression is low by stage 37 and is absent by stage 39. Does not appear to be expressed in adults. The 9aaTAD motif is a transactivation domain present in a large number of yeast and animal transcription factors. It is uncertain whether Met-1 or Met-4 is the initiator.