Enables RNA polymerase II transcription regulatory region sequence-specific DNA binding activity and nuclear receptor activity. Involved in several processes, including Sertoli cell fate commitment; cellular response to lipopolysaccharide; and germ cell development. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including animal organ development; negative regulation of cartilage development; and regulation of cellular macromolecule biosynthetic process. Located in several cellular components, including dendrite; neuronal cell body; and nucleus. Is expressed in several structures, including alimentary system; central nervous system; genitourinary system; limb; and sensory organ. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in acute promyelocytic leukemia. Orthologous to human RARA (retinoic acid receptor alpha). [provided by Alliance of Genome Resources, Apr 2022]