Transcriptional activator. Recognizes and binds to the DNA sequence 5'-TGT[GT][GT]ATT-3'. Required for induction of the goosecoid (GSC) promoter by TGF-beta or activin signaling. Forms a transcriptionally active complex containing FOXH1/SMAD2/SMAD4 on a site on the GSC promoter called TARE (TGF-beta/activin response element). . This is the function of FOXH1 (forkhead box H1, Ensembl gene identifier ENSG00000160973).