FUNCTION: DNA-binding transcriptional activator. Recognizes and binds to the consensus octamer binding site 5'-ATAATTAA-3' in promoter of target genes. Plays a fundamental role in the gene regulatory network essential for retinal ganglion cell (RGC) differentiation. May be involved in subtype specialization of primary motoneurons. May bind to insulin gene enhancer sequences. Essential for heart development (By similarity). {ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:P61372, ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:P61374}. SUBCELLULAR LOCATION: Nucleus {ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:P61372}. DEVELOPMENTAL STAGE: Expressed immediately after gastrulation in the polster, cranial ganglia, rohan-beard neurons and in ventromedial cells of the spinal cord at 12 hours post-fertilization (hpf). Expressed in cells slightly anterior to the segment border at 16 hpf. {ECO:0000269|PubMed:8167375}. |