Transcriptional activator that binds double-stranded DNA and the single-stranded RNA polymers poly(rA), poly(rU) and poly(rG), but not poly(rC). Mediates optimal plant architecture through brassinosteroid (BR) signaling. May act as a negative regulator in sterol homeostasis (PubMed:18953406). Acts as negative regulator of BR signaling. Binds to the specific DNA sequence 5'-CTCGC-3' of BZR1 promoter and negatively regulates BZR1. Acts as an antagonistic transcription factor of BZR1 to attenuate the BR signaling pathway and regulate leaf bending. Represses the expression of ILI1, and activates that of IBH1 to balance the regulation activity of BZR1 (PubMed:22570626). Interacts with GSK1 and GSK4. Brassinosteroid promotes nuclear localization. Phosphorylation represses nuclear localization. Expressed in the adaxial face of the collar, nodes and the basal region of elongating internodes. Induced by 24-epibrassinolide. Phosphorylated on serine and threonine residues by GSK1. Phosphorylation represses nuclear localization. Plants silencing LIC are short, have increased leaf and tiller angles, and display both reduced number of rachises and seeds (PubMed:18953406). Plants over-expressing LIC show erect leaves (PubMed:22570626).