Transcription factor involved in transcription regulation during lens development, including that of crystallin genes (PubMed:9674710, PubMed:15963504, PubMed:18042454). Binds to CRE-type MARE 5'-TGCTGACGTCAGCA-3' and TRE-type MARE 5'-TGCTGACTCAGCA-3' DNA sequences (PubMed:9674710). Forms homodimers or heterodimers (PubMed:9674710). May interact (via leucine-zipper domain) with MAFB (PubMed:9674710). May interact with FOS and JUN (PubMed:9674710). Interacts with PCAF; this interaction impairs MAFA ubiquitination (PubMed:18042454). In neuroretina, expression starts around embryonic day 7 (ED7) and increases until ED15. Still present after hatching. At ED7, also expressed in brain, but not detected on other tissues. Phosphorylation at Ser-14 and Ser-65 is required for transcription regulation activity and lens differentiation in neuroretina cells (PubMed:11416124). Phosphorylation at Ser-65 may be required for efficient phosphorylation at Thr-53, Thr57 and Ser-61 by GSK3 (PubMed:18042454). Ubiquitinated and degraded by the proteasome, following phosphorylation by GSK3. Belongs to the bZIP family. Maf subfamily.