Predicted to enable DNA-binding transcription repressor activity, RNA polymerase II-specific and RNA polymerase II transcription regulatory region sequence-specific DNA binding activity. Involved in several processes, including behavioral fear response; chordate embryonic development; and visual learning. Acts upstream of or within regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II. Located in cytoplasm and nucleus. Part of RNA polymerase II transcription regulator complex. Is expressed in several structures, including bone; early conceptus; genitourinary system; nervous system; and sensory organ. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in Vulto-van Silfout-de Vries syndrome. Orthologous to human DEAF1 (DEAF1 transcription factor). [provided by Alliance of Genome Resources, Apr 2022]