H2A.Z-specific chromatin binding protein which plays an important role in the neural crest cell differentiation and/or migration during early development and is essential for the development of the head and eye (PubMed:28645917). Acts as an adapter between distinct nucleosome components (H3K36me3 or H2A.Z) and chromatin-modifying complexes, contributing to the regulation of the levels of histone acetylation at actively transcribed genes (By similarity). Expressed early during development in the neuroectoderm and neural crest. Embryos exhibit lack of retinal tissue combined with a reduced head size. Defects in neural crest stem cell migration and differentiation seen.