Acts as a transcriptional activator or repressor. Inhibits the transcriptional activation of Zic family proteins ZIC1, ZIC2 and ZIC3. Retains nuclear Zic proteins ZIC1, ZIC2 and ZIC3 in the cytoplasm. Modulates the expression from cellular promoters. Binds to the axin complex, resulting in an increase in the level of free beta-catenin. Affects axin-regulation of the WNT and JNK signaling pathways. Interacts with HAND1; leading to sequester HAND1 into the nucleolus and prevent its activity (PubMed:17891141). Interacts with ZIC2 (PubMed:15207726, PubMed:15465018). The C-terminus interacts with AXIN1, the histidine-rich region of CCNT1/cyclin-T and weakly with LEF1. Interacts with CCNT2 (By similarity). The cysteine-rich C-terminus is involved in its granular distribution in the cytoplasm (By similarity). The C2H2-type 3, 4 and 5 zinc finger domains are necessary for transcription activation. Belongs to the MDFI family. Extended N-terminus. Extended N-terminus. Extended N-terminus.