Transcriptional activator (PubMed:19666519, PubMed:27756709, PubMed:22750565, PubMed:22824924). Regulates SEMA3C and PLXNA2 (PubMed:19666519). Involved in gene regulation specifically in the gastric epithelium (PubMed:9315713). May regulate genes that protect epithelial cells from bacterial infection (PubMed:16968778). Involved in bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-mediated cardiac-specific gene expression (By similarity). Binds to BMP response element (BMPRE) DNA sequences within cardiac activating regions (By similarity). In human skin, controls several physiological processes contributing to homeostasis of the upper pilosebaceous unit. Triggers ductal and sebaceous differentiation as well as limits cell proliferation and lipid production to prevent hyperseborrhoea. Mediates the effects of retinoic acid on sebocyte proliferation, differentiation and lipid production. Also contributes to immune regulation of sebocytes and antimicrobial responses by modulating the expression of anti-inflammatory genes such as IL10 and pro-inflammatory genes such as IL6, TLR2, TLR4, and IFNG. Activates TGFB1 signaling which controls the interfollicular epidermis fate (PubMed:33082341). Interacts with LMCD1. Expressed in heart, gut and gut-derived tissues. Expressed in skin upper pilosebaceous unit. Expression is decreased or lost in acne lesions (PubMed:33082341). In sebocytes, expression is up-regulated by Cutibacterium acnes. The GATA-type zinc fingers mediate interaction with LMCD1. Rare variants in GATA6 may be a cause of susceptibility to atrial fibrillation, a common sustained cardiac rhythm disturbance. Atrial fibrillation is characterized by disorganized atrial electrical activity and ineffective atrial contraction promoting blood stasis in the atria and reduces ventricular filling. It can result in palpitations, syncope, thromboembolic stroke, and congestive heart failure. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. GATA6 mutations have been found in patients with non-syndromic persistent truncus arteriosus (PubMed:19666519). The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. Produced by alternative initiation at Met-147 of isoform 1.