Transcription factor involved, among others, in the transcriptional regulation of osmoprotective and inflammatory genes. Mediates the transcriptional response to hypertonicity (PubMed:10051678). Positively regulates the transcription of LCN2 and S100A4 genes; optimal transactivation of these genes requires the presence of DDX5/DDX17 (PubMed:22266867). Binds the DNA consensus sequence 5'-[ACT][AG]TGGAAA[CAT]A[TA][ATC][CA][ATG][GT][GAC][CG][CT]-3' (PubMed:10377394).