May act as a transcriptional activator or repressor. Inhibits the transcriptional activation of Zic family proteins. Retains nuclear Zic proteins in the cytoplasm (By similarity). Required for dorsoanterior development. Necessary for siamois to activate downstream target genes, including gsc, during execution of the dorsal organizer program. Also regulates the transcriptional activity of TCF7L1/TCF3 by interacting directly with TCF7L1/TCF3 and preventing it from binding DNA. Expressed broadly at a low level in the early embryo. Expressed both maternally and zygotically, with expression persisting to at least tadpole stages. The C2H2-type 3, 4 and 5 zinc finger domains are necessary for transcription activation. The cysteine-rich C-terminus is involved in its granular distribution in the cytoplasm (By similarity). Belongs to the MDFI family.