Enables chromatin binding activity and histone binding activity. Involved in several processes, including DNA damage response, signal transduction by p53 class mediator; cellular response to hydroxyurea; and regulation of cellular macromolecule biosynthetic process. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including male gonad development; meiotic spindle organization; and post-embryonic forelimb morphogenesis. Located in PML body and chromosome. Is expressed in several structures, including alimentary system; early embryo; egg cylinder; genitourinary system; and nervous system. Used to study alpha thalassemia-X-linked intellectual disability syndrome. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in X-linked mental retardation-hypotonic facies syndrome-1; alpha thalassemia-X-linked intellectual disability syndrome; alpha-thalassemia myelodysplasia syndrome; high grade glioma; and lung small cell carcinoma. Orthologous to human ATRX (ATRX chromatin remodeler). [provided by Alliance of Genome Resources, Apr 2022]