Transcription factor, possibly involved in transcription regulation during lens development, including that of crystallin genes (PubMed:11134968). Specifically binds to the alphaCE2 enhancer element of crystallin gene (PubMed:11134968). Detected first in each somite at the 7-somite stage (12 hpf). By 24 hpf, expressed in each newly formed somite. Expression persists at low levels in each maturing somite until after 35 hpf. At 20 hpf, detected in the hindbrain and in olfactory cells. Belongs to the bZIP family. Maf subfamily.