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). May confer liver-specific regulation of delayed-early genes induced later in the G1 phase of regeneration along with HMR. 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. Shows a ubiquitous distribution in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, amygdala, and midbrain. Expression increases in prenatally stressed adult offspring in the ventral tegmental area, whereas no changes are observed in the substantia nigra area (at protein level). Not expressed in quiescent liver but is rapidly induced following partial hepatectomy and is specific to hepatic growth as it is not induced in other mitogen-treated cells. Expressed at very low levels in the lung, spleen and stomach and at high levels in the brain. 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. NR4 subfamily.