May play a role in development of the periodontium which surrounds and supports the teeth by promoting the differentiation of multi-potent cells from the periodontal ligament into cementoblasts to form the cementum (PubMed:21929512, PubMed:17509525, PubMed:21465469). Binds hydroxyapatite and may promote the biomineralization of the cementum (PubMed:19393626). Also promotes cell proliferation (PubMed:17509525, PubMed:21929512, PubMed:26011628). Localizes to the nucleus of some cementoblasts. Expressed by cementoblasts, a subpopulation of periodontal ligament cells and cells located around vessels in periodontium (at protein level). Up-regulated by hypoxia (at protein level). Phosphorylated. N-glycosylated.