Zinc-dependent transcriptional regulator of cellular adaption to conditions of exposure to heavy metals (PubMed:24529376). Binds to metal responsive elements (MRE) in promoters and activates the transcription of metallothionein genes like metallothionein-2/MT2A (By similarity). Also regulates the expression of metalloproteases in response to intracellular zinc and functions as a catabolic regulator of cartilages (PubMed:24529376). Translocation to the nucleus is induced by metals. Ubiquitously expressed.