Transcription factor that binds to DNA at the consensus sequence 5'-CAG[GC]TG-3' (By similarity). Positively regulates the determination of retinal ganglion cell fate and formation of the optic nerve and retino-hypothalamic tract (PubMed:9390513). Required for retinal circadian rhythm photoentrainment (By similarity). Plays a role in brainstem auditory signaling and binaural processing (By similarity). Regulates the differentiation of olfactory receptor neurons (PubMed:12454929). During retinal neurogenesis, activates the transcription of several genes such as brn3d, coe3, cbfa2t2, glis2, elrC and xgadd45-gamma (PubMed:11401395, PubMed:16112102). First detected at stage 17 as two symmetric patches in the region of the presumptive olfactory placode. Expressed in the pineal at stage 23, and in the eye starting from stage 24. By stage 27, strongly expressed in retina, olfactory placodes and pineal. At stage 32, expression strongly decreases in olfactory placodes and pineal but is maintained in the neuroretina. At stage 41, expression is restricted to the ciliary marginal zone of the retina. Inhibited by Notch and ESR1.