Sequence-specific transcription factor which is part of a developmental regulatory system that provides cells with specific positional identities on the anterior-posterior axis. Required for induction of E-selectin and VCAM-1, on the endothelial cells surface at sites of inflammation (By similarity). Transiently interacts with PRMT5 in TNF-alpha stimulated endothelial cells. Expressed in high level in the embryonic and adult spinal cord with a preference in the posterior region. Methylated on Arg-140 by PRMT5; methylation is critical for E-selectin induction. Belongs to the Abd-B homeobox family.