Transcription regulator that plays an essential role in erythroid and megakaryocytic cell differentiation. Essential cofactor that acts via the formation of a heterodimer with transcription factors of the GATA family GATA1, GATA2 and GATA3. Such heterodimer can both activate or repress transcriptional activity, depending on the cell and promoter context. The heterodimer formed with GATA proteins is essential to activate expression of genes such as NFE2, ITGA2B, alpha- and beta-globin, while it represses expression of KLF1. May be involved in regulation of some genes in gonads. May also be involved in cardiac development, in a non-redundant way with ZFPM2/FOG2 (By similarity). Interacts with corepressor CTBP2; this interaction is however not essential for corepressor activity (By similarity). Interacts with the N-terminal zinc-finger of GATA1, GATA2 and probably GATA3. Mainly expressed in hematopoietic tissues. Also expressed in adult cerebellum, stomach, lymph node, liver and pancreas. Expressed in fetal heart, liver and spleen. The CCHC FOG-type zinc fingers 1, 2, 3 and 5 directly bind to GATA-type zinc fingers. The Tyr residue adjacent to the last Cys of the CCHC FOG-type zinc finger is essential for the interaction with GATA-type zinc fingers (By similarity). Belongs to the FOG (Friend of GATA) family.