May act as a transcriptional activator or repressor. Involved in neurogenesis. Involved in the development of rhombomeres (r) 5 and 6 segments from their common precursor 'proto-segment' in the hindbrain. Homodimer or heterodimer with other bHLH-Zip transcription factors. Binds DNA as a homodimer or a heterodimer (By similarity). Expressed in cells that spans the width of the neuronal plate in the presumptive hindbrain at the end of gastrulation. Expressed in r5- and r6-derived neuronal crest cells at the 14 somite stage. Expressed in r5 and r6 until the 20 somite stage (19 hours). Expressed in Mauthner cells of the r4, in cells of the blood-forming region at the base of the yolk extension, in Rohon-Beard cells in the trunk and tail, in a bilateral patch of cells ventral to the third somite which corresponds to the position of the primordial germ cells at 20 somite stage (19 hours). Expressed in r6 at 24 hours. Expressed in r4 and r5 at 42 hours. Belongs to the bZIP family. Maf subfamily.