Transcription factor that activates a subset of organizer-specific genes. Binds to the distal element (DE) of the gsc promoter to regulate its expression. In the presence of pou5f1.1/oct-25, forms a repression complex on the promoter of the gsc and mix2 genes to inhibit their transcription. Interacts (via repeats 4-5) with foxh1/fast1 (via Fork-head domain). Interacts with smad2 and smad3 (via MH1 domain) in a ligand (activin)-dependent manner. Interacts with pou5f1.1/oct-25 to form a repression complex on the promoters of the gsc and mix2 genes. Uniformly expressed in the embryo in pre- and early gastrula stages. Enriched in the head region of early neurula through tailbud stages. Expressed both maternally and zygotically at relatively consistent levels throughout development. Belongs to the TFII-I family. There is conflicting evidence as to whether gtf2ird1 acts as a transcriptional activator or repressor when directly bound to the distal element of the gsc promoter. PubMed:11937490 shows that gtf2ird1 acts cooperatively with smads and foxh1/fast1 to activate activin/nodal-mediated gsc transcription. However, PubMed:16055724 report that in the absence of TGF-beta, gtf2ird1 represses gsc transcription. Upon TGF-beta stimulation, smad2 is translocated to the nucleus as a complex with smad4, interacts with TFII-I, and binds to the distal element to dislodge gtf2ird1 and up-regulate gsc gene transcription.