Transcriptional activator which specifically regulates expression of TBX22 in the posterior region of the developing palate (PubMed:18948418). Required during later stages of palate development for normal growth and medial fusion of the palatal shelves (PubMed:18948418). Promotes maturation and normal function of calvarial osteoblasts, including expression of the osteoclastogenic cytokine TNFSF11/RANKL (PubMed:19386590). Necessary for normal development of the membranous bones of the skull (PubMed:15870292). May play a role in tumor suppression (By similarity). Interacts with PBX1, PKNOX1, ZBTB24, E2F7, RING1. Detected in brain, heart, tibia, and calvarial osteoclasts. Detected in the midbrain, hindbrain and craniofacial mesenchyme at 9.5 dpc. At 10.5 dpc and 11.5 dpc, strong expression is detected in the brain, frontonasal processes, maxillary processes, mandibular processes, the second brachial arch, and also in somites and limb buds. In the developing palatal shelves from 12.5 dpc-14.5 dpc, shows graded expression with highest levels in the posterior and middle regions and very low levels in the anterior region. By calcitrol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3). Lethality occurs at or shortly after birth, associated with cleft secondary palate (PubMed:15870292). Skulls at late embryonic stages show multiple abnormalities including complete loss of alisphenoid, squamosal and vomer bones, and poorly developed presphenoid and basisphenoid bones (PubMed:15870292). Other parts of the skeleton are not affected (PubMed:15870292). Early palate development is normal but later the palatal shelves fail to grow and elevate towards the midline, associated with both impaired cell division and apoptosis (PubMed:18948418).