Associates with chromatin regions downstream of transcriptional start sites of active genes and thus regulates gene transcription (PubMed:23629655, PubMed:24130829, PubMed:23798402). Chromatin interaction is mediated via the binding to tri-methylated histone H3 at 'Lys-4' (H3K4me3) (PubMed:24130829, PubMed:23798402). Key regulator of hematopoiesis involved in terminal myeloid differentiation and in the regulation of hematopoietic stem cell (HSCs) self-renewal by a mechanism that involves DNA methylation (By similarity). Also acts as an important cell cycle regulator, participating in cell cycle regulatory network machinery at multiple cell cycle stages including G1/S transition, S phase progression and mitotic entry (PubMed:14718661, PubMed:18573682, PubMed:19264965, PubMed:23629655). Recruited to E2F1 responsive promoters by HCFC1 where it stimulates tri-methylation of histone H3 at 'Lys-4' and transcriptional activation and thereby facilitates G1 to S phase transition (PubMed:23629655). During myoblast differentiation, required to suppress inappropriate expression of S-phase-promoting genes and maintain expression of determination genes in quiescent cells (By similarity).

Cellular ligand for NCR2/NKp44, may play a role as a danger signal in cytotoxicity and NK-cell-mediated innate immunity.