Transcription factor which regulates the transcription of multiple genes expressed in the intestinal epithelium (PubMed:9933478, PubMed:16027724). Binds to the promoter of the intestinal sucrase-isomaltase SI and activates SI transcription (PubMed:7935448). Binds to the DNA sequence 5'-ATAAAAACTTAT-3' in the promoter region of VDR and activates VDR transcription (PubMed:9933478). Binds to and activates transcription of LPH (By similarity). Activates transcription of CLDN2 and intestinal mucin MUC2 (PubMed:16027724). Binds to the 5'-AATTTTTTACAACACCT-3' DNA sequence in the promoter region of CA1 and activates CA1 transcription (PubMed:9512360). Important in broad range of functions from early differentiation to maintenance of the intestinal epithelial lining of both the small and large intestine. Binds preferentially to methylated DNA (By similarity). Can bind DNA as a monomer or homodimer. In the intestine, detected in ileum and proximal and distal colon (at protein level) (PubMed:16027724). In adult small intestine, predominantly localized in crypt and lower villus cells of the epithelium (at protein level) (PubMed:11729123). Expressed in the intestine but not detected in other tissues including stomach, liver, kidney, spleen, brain, heart, lung, pancreas, skeletal muscle and testis (PubMed:7935448). Expressed specifically in gut epithelium where it is not restricted to a particular cell lineage. Abundant expression is seen in the proximal colon with slightly lower levels in distal colon (PubMed:7910823, PubMed:1671571). Expression in the proximal colon is not restricted either to a particular cell lineage or stage of differentiation while in the distal colon it is more abundant in the differentiated cells towards the top of the crypt. Ubiquitinated, leading to its degradation by the proteasome. Phosphorylation at Ser-60 reduces transactivation capacity (PubMed:11729123). Phosphorylation at Ser-281 reduces transactivation capacity and increases ubiquitin-dependent proteasome degradation (PubMed:16027724). Belongs to the Caudal homeobox family.