Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.1.0)
Enables DNA-binding transcription activator activity, RNA polymerase II-specific; RNA polymerase II cis-regulatory region sequence-specific DNA binding activity; and transcription coactivator activity. Involved in several processes, including axis specification; mRNA transcription by RNA polymerase II; and nervous system development. Acts upstream of or within anterior/posterior pattern specification and heart looping. Located in cytoplasm and nucleus. Is expressed in several structures, including central nervous system; egg cylinder; embryo mesenchyme; genitourinary system; and visual system. Used to study Goldenhar syndrome and visceral heterotaxy. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in X-linked VACTERL association; situs inversus; and visceral heterotaxy. Orthologous to human ZIC3 (Zic family member 3).