The function of GCM1 (GCM transcription factor 1, ENSG00000137270) is as follows. Transcription factor involved in the control of expression of placental growth factor (PGF) and other placenta-specific genes (PubMed:10542267, PubMed:18160678). Binds to the trophoblast-specific element 2 (TSE2) of the aromatase gene enhancer (PubMed:10542267). Binds to the SYDE1 promoter (PubMed:27917469). Has a central role in mediating the differentiation of trophoblast cells along both the villous and extravillous pathways in placental development (PubMed:19219068). {ECO:0000269|PubMed:10542267, ECO:0000269|PubMed:18160678, ECO:0000269|PubMed:19219068, ECO:0000269|PubMed:27917469}.