DNA-binding transcriptional factor that plays a role in a broad range of cellular and developmental processes such as eye, bones, cardiovascular, kidney and skin development. Acts either as a transcriptional activator or repressor. Binds to the consensus binding site 5'-[G/C][A/T]AAA[T/C]AA[A/C]-3' in promoter of target genes. Upon DNA-binding, promotes DNA bending. Required for cell viability and resistance to oxidative stress in the eye. Promotes cell growth inhibition by stopping the cell cycle in the G1 phase through TGFB1-mediated signals. Involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induction by increasing cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Involved in chemokine-induced endothelial cell migration. Plays a role in epidermal keratinocyte terminal differentiation. Essential developmental transcriptional factor required for mesoderm-derived tissues formation, such as the somites, skin, bone and cartilage. Plays a role in the development and maintenance of mesenchymal niches for haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC). Plays a role in corneal transparency by preventing both blood vessel and lymphatic vessel growth during embryonic development in a VEGF-dependent manner. Plays a role at the gastrula stage for expression of several mesodermal and endodermal genes. At the late neurula stage, regulates expression of adhesion genes to maintain cell adhesion in the mesodermal germ layer. Monomer.