The function of OLIG2 (oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2, ENSG00000205927) is as follows. Required for oligodendrocyte and motor neuron specification in the spinal cord, as well as for the development of somatic motor neurons in the hindbrain. Works in coordination with ZNF488 to promote oligodendrocyte differentiation. Orchestrates progenitor cell fates during cortical gliogenesis and gliomagenesis. In cooperation with OLIG2, activates oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) formation while repressing the generation of olfactory bulb interneuron intermediate progenitors (OBIN) generation through transcriptional regulation of GSX2. Mechanistically, binds and silences multiple conserved enhancer elements of GSX2. Cooperates with OLIG1 to establish the pMN domain of the embryonic neural tube. Antagonist of V2 interneuron and of NKX2-2- induced V3 interneuron development. .