Transcriptional regulator; binds and activates the promoter for the HNF1-alpha gene (PubMed:8808405). Potential initiator of a transcriptional cascade within a subset of cells committed to a specific developmental program (PubMed:8808405). Could be a determinant for asymmetry in early development (PubMed:8808405). May play a role in the regulation of the circadian clock (By similarity). Homodimerization is required for HNF4-alpha to bind to its recognition site. Expressed in liver and kidney. Maternal protein which is distributed within an animal-to-vegetal gradient in the embryo. Present throughout the entire development. The 9aaTAD motif is a transactivation domain present in a large number of yeast and animal transcription factors. Binds fatty acids. Belongs to the nuclear hormone receptor family. NR2 subfamily.