Zinc finger homeobox protein 3 (ZFHX3)

Transcriptional regulator which can function as an activator or a repressor. Inhibits the enhancer element of the AFP gene by binding to its AT-rich core sequence.

In concert with SMAD- dependent TGF-beta signaling can repress the transcription of AFP via its interaction with SMAD2/3 (PubMed:25105025). Regulates the circadian locomotor rhythms through transcriptional activation of neuropeptidergic genes that are essential for intercellular synchrony and rhythm amplitude in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the brain (By similarity).