Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.0.0)
Enables DNA-binding transcription repressor activity, RNA polymerase II-specific and chromatin binding activity. Involved in several processes, including cell migration involved in endocardial cushion formation; desmosome disassembly; and sensory perception of sound. Acts upstream of or within with a positive effect on chromatin organization. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including epithelial to mesenchymal transition involved in endocardial cushion formation; negative regulation of apoptotic process; and negative regulation of hematopoietic stem cell proliferation. Located in cytoplasm and nucleus. Is expressed in several structures, including alimentary system; central nervous system; early conceptus; genitourinary system; and sensory organ. Used to study Waardenburg syndrome. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in piebaldism. Orthologous to human SNAI2 (snail family transcriptional repressor 2).