Enables DNA-binding transcription activator activity, RNA polymerase II-specific and chromatin binding activity. Acts upstream of or within segment specification and somitogenesis. Predicted to be active in nucleus. Is expressed in several structures, including allantois; embryo mesoderm; primitive streak; testis; and unsegmented mesenchyme. Orthologous to human MSGN1 (mesogenin 1). [provided by Alliance of Genome Resources, Apr 2022]