Transcription factor that acts synergistically with SOX11 and SOX4 (By similarity). Plays a role in neuronal development. Is implicated in an enhancer activity at the embryonic met-mesencephalic junction; the enhancer element contains the octamer motif (5'-ATTTGCAT-3'). Homodimer. Brain. Expressed in the developing neocortex, both in the late precursor cells and in the migrating neurons. Neonatal death at least 36 hours postpartum. Loss of both Pou3f3 and Pou3f2 leads to abnormal formation of the neocortex with dramatically reduced production of layer IV-II neurons and defective migration of neurons. Can fully replace Pou3f1 in Schwann cells of embryonic mice and rescue peripheral nervous system development in these animals, although severe defects in forebrain development are still observed. Belongs to the POU transcription factor family. Class-3 subfamily.