Transcription factor that binds to sequence with multiple copies of 5'-TTC[CG]G-3' present in its own promoter and that of the HNRPA2B1 gene. Down-regulates transcription of these genes. Binds to the retinoic acid response element (RARE) 5'-AGGGTTCACCGAAAGTTCA-3'. Activates the proenkephalin gene independently of promoter binding, probably through protein-protein interaction. When secreted, behaves as an inhibitor of cell proliferation, by arresting cells in the G0 or G1 phase. Required for neural tube closure and skeletal patterning. Regulates epithelial cell proliferation and side-branching in the mammary gland. Controls the expression of peripheral tissue antigens in pancreatic lymph nodes. Isoform 1 displays greater transcriptional activity than isoform 4. Isoform 4 may inhibit transcriptional activity of isoform 1 by interacting with isoform 1 and retaining it in the cytoplasm. Transcriptional activator of EIF4G3. {ECO:0000269|PubMed:10521432, ECO:0000269|PubMed:11427895, ECO:0000269|PubMed:11705868, ECO:0000269|PubMed:18826651, ECO:0000269|PubMed:19668219, ECO:0000269|PubMed:24726472}. This is the function of Ensembl gene identifier ENSG00000177030 (DEAF1, DEAF1 transcription factor).