Transcription factor that binds the homeotic Deformed (Dfd) response element. High affinity binding sites contain at least 1 TTCG motif surrounded by additional TCG sequences. May be involved in the selective action of Dfd on these sites without binding directly to the Dfd protein. Requirement of DEAF1 activity may be a common feature of enhancers targeted by Dfd. Ubiquitous throughout embryogenesis. Highly expressed in stage 3 embryo indicating that it is maternally provided. After stage 15, it is more prominent in the central nervous system.