Chromatin remodeling factor that binds to methylated histone (e.g. H3K4me2/3) to prevent their acetylation (e.g. H3K9K14Ac), likely by recruiting histone deacetylase (HDAC) complexes, and thus regulate the transcription of target genes (PubMed:25281686). Required during development and for fertility, probably by modulating developmental gene expression (PubMed:11129039, PubMed:15082927, PubMed:25281686). Promotes development speed, but at fitness cost (PubMed:11129039). Involved in the chromatin-mediated repression of floral initiation and controls genes regulating flowering. Negatively regulates the expression of the floral integrator SOC1, by preventing high levels of H3 acetylation, thus maintaining an inactive chromatin conformation (PubMed:25281686). Recognizes di- and trimethylated histone H3 at lysine 4 (PubMed:25281686). Interacts with HDA6 (PubMed:25281686). Interacts with DEK3 (PubMed:25387881). Additional isoforms may exist. Expressed ubiquitously (PubMed:25281686). Mostly expressed in roots, stems, leaves and flowers, and, to a lower extent, in siliques (PubMed:11129039). Expressed at all stages of development, from seedlings to adult reproductive phase. In antisense plants, dwarf phenotype characterized by stunted axis, dark-green leaves, compact rosette structure, less small leaves, fewer flowers and seeds, and associated with a delayed development and late flowering (PubMed:11129039). In shl-2, acceleration of flowering, especially in short-days (SD), associated with a shorter adult vegetative phase. Other developmental defects include premature senescence, smaller leaves and siliques. Higher H3K9K14 acetylation in the genomic region of the SOC1 locus (PubMed:25281686). Belongs to the SHL1/EBS protein family.