Transcription factor which acts as a transcriptional repressor (By similarity). May also function as a transcriptional activator (By similarity). Binds to the palindromic T site 5'-TTCACACCTAGGTGTGAA-3' DNA sequence, or a half-site, which are present in the regulatory region of several genes (By similarity). Involved in the transcriptional regulation of genes required for mesoderm differentiation. Plays a role in the specification of late notochordal precursor cells and formation of the differentiated notochord. Required for cardiac atrioventricular canal formation. Binds DNA as a monomer. Expressed in the axial mesoderm, notably, in the notochordal precursor cells immediately before formation of the notochord and in the chordoneural hinge of the tail bud, after the notochord is formed. In addition, its expression is detected in the ventral forebrain, sensory neurons, fin buds and excretory system. Expression seen in many tissues of ectodermal and mesodermal origin during embryogenesis. First detected at bud stage in the ventral prosencephalon and along the length of the notochord. As segmentation proceeds, expressed in the optic primordia, otic placodes and diffusely in cells over the yolk lying ventrally to the tail bud. Midway through the segmentation period, expression also seen in the acostic and lateral line sensory ganglia. At 22 hpf, found in the most posterior portion of the pronephric ducts (PubMed:10664151). At the end of gastrulation, expression seen in the prospective ventral forebrain, single eye field and the presumptive notochord. At 12 hpf, expression in the midline found only at the posterior end of the notochord where it can be detected until the end of segmentation. At 20 hpf, expression in the eye is restricted to the dorsal retina and also found in the epiphysis, otic vesicles and sensory neurons of cranial ganglia. At 22 hpf, expressed in bud of pectoral fins and at 30 hpf, in a subset of interneurons in the anterior spinal cord (PubMed:10331981). Loss of atrioventricular canal formation and cardiac looping.