Transcription factor, possibly involved in transcription regulation during lens development. During embryonic development, expressed in somites. First detected in stage 24 and remains excluded from the 2-3 caudal-most somites at all studied stages. First detectable in the developing hindbrain at stage 24. Expressed persists until stage 33. At stage 43, expressed in the olfactory bulb and thalamus. Belongs to the bZIP family. Maf subfamily.