該基因編碼一種轉錄因子，誘導金屬硫蛋白和其他參與重金屬（如鎘、鋅、銅和銀）穩態的基因表達。該蛋白是一種核質穿梭蛋白，在重金屬暴露后積聚在細胞核中，并與含有金屬反應元件（MRE）的啟動子結合[由RefSeq提供，2008年7月]
This gene encodes a transcription factor that induces expression of metallothioneins and other genes involved in metal homeostasis in response to heavy metals such as cadmium, zinc, copper, and silver. The protein is a nucleocytoplasmic shuttling protein that accumulates in the nucleus upon heavy metal exposure and binds to promoters containing a metal-responsive element (MRE). [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]