DNA-binding transcriptional factor that plays a role in a broad range of cellular and developmental processes such as eye, bones, cardiovascular, kidney and skin development. Acts either as a transcriptional activator or repressor. Binds to the consensus binding site 5'-[G/C][A/T]AAA[T/C]AA[A/C]-3' in promoter of target genes. Upon DNA-binding, promotes DNA bending. Required for cell viability and resistance to oxidative stress in the eye. Promotes cell growth inhibition by stopping the cell cycle in the G1 phase through TGFB1-mediated signals. Involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induction by increasing cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Involved in chemokine-induced endothelial cell migration. Plays a role in epidermal keratinocyte terminal differentiation. Essential developmental transcriptional factor required for mesoderm-derived tissues formation, such as the somites, skin, bone and cartilage. Plays a role in the development and maintenance of mesenchymal niches for haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC). Plays a role in corneal transparency by preventing both blood vessel and lymphatic vessel growth during embryonic development in a VEGF-dependent manner. Monomer. First detected at the shield stage of gastrulation in the involuting mesendoderm with levels being highest in the paraxial mesoderm and decline laterally to become undetectable in the ventral mesoderm. Expression spreads in the hypoblast towards the animal pole and converges dorsally. At the tail bud stage (9.5 hpf), transcripts are seen in adaxial cells flanking the future notochord and in the presomitic mesoderm (PSM). During early somitogenesis, expression also extends into the future head, in two stripes continuous with the adaxial cells. Expression continues under the hindbrain as far as the midbrain/hindbrain boundary, in the presomitic mesoderm (PSM), trunk adaxial cells and somites. Expression still found, in the early pharyngula stage. in the PSM and adaxial cells in the tail and, at 33 to 70 hpf, strong expression in the pharyngeal arches and saggital sections.