Transcription factor that can function as an activator or repressor depending on its binding partners, and by targeting negative regulators of cell cycle progression. Has been shown to bind to the promoters of adenovirus major late protein and cyclin D1 and activate transcription. Required for early embryonic development during gastrulation. Plays a critical role in early lymphocyte development, where it is essential to prevent apoptosis in lymphoid precursors, allowing them to survive in response to IL7 and undergo proper lineage commitment. Represses RB1 transcription; this repression can be blocked by interaction with ZBTB49 (By similarity). Homooligomerizes (via the BTB/POZ domain), multimerization is required for DNA binding. Binds to the C-terminal helix-loop-helix motif of MYC which inhibits ZBTB17 transactivation and growth arrest activities and renders it insoluble in the nucleus. Also interacts with HCFC1, MAGEA4 and TMPRSS11A. Interacts (via the C-terminal zinc fingers) with GFI1; the interaction results in the recruitment of MYC to the CDKN1A/p21 and CDKN1B promoters and repression of transcription. Interacts with TRAF2, interfering with the binding of UBC13 to TRAF2, and inhibiting TRAF2 E3 ligase activity. Interacts with BCL6; the interaction inhibits ZBTB17 transactivation activity on target genes involved in cell cycle arrest. Interacts with ZBTB49; this interaction blocks ZBTB17-mediated repression of RB1 (By similarity). Found in all the embryonic and adult tissues examined. Expressed ubiquitously from early embryogenesis (6.5 dpc) to organogenesis, predominantly in neural and epithelial tissues. Undergoes 'Lys-48'-linked polyubiquitination at Lys-388 and Lys-472 and subsequent proteasomal degradation in a TRAF2-dependent manner and upon TNFA stimulation. Mice produce inviable embryos which are severely retarded in early development and do not undergo normal gastrulation due to massive apoptosis of ectodermal cells around day 7.5. Belongs to the krueppel C2H2-type zinc-finger protein family.