Transcriptional regulator which is important for the differentiation and maintenance of meso-diencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons during development. It is crucial for expression of a set of genes such as SLC6A3, SLC18A2, TH and DRD2 which are essential for development of mdDA neurons (By similarity). Interacts with SFPQ, NCOR2, SIN3A and HADC1. The interaction with NCOR2 increases in the absence of PITX3. Interacts with PER2 (By similarity). Mostly nuclear; oxidative stress promotes cytoplasmic localization. the ligand-binding domain (LBD) contains no cavity as a result of the tight packing of side chains from several bulky hydrophobic residues in the region normally occupied by ligands. NR4A2 lacks a 'classical' binding site for coactivators (By similarity). Belongs to the nuclear hormone receptor family.