Enables DNA-binding transcription activator activity, RNA polymerase II-specific; E-box binding activity; and chromatin binding activity. Involved in several processes, including neural retina development; regulation of neural retina development; and retinoic acid receptor signaling pathway. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including pancreas development; positive regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II; and retina morphogenesis in camera-type eye. Part of transcription regulator complex. Is expressed in several structures, including central nervous system; epidermis; eye; foregut-midgut junction; and genitourinary system. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in pancreatic agenesis. Orthologous to human PTF1A (pancreas associated transcription factor 1a). [provided by Alliance of Genome Resources, Apr 2022]