Background：Transcription repressor essential for hematopoiesis. Functions in a cell-context and development-specific manner. Binds to 5'-TAAATCAC[AT]GCA-3' in the promoter region of a large number of genes. Component of several complexes, including the EHMT2-GFI1-HDAC1, AJUBA-GFI1-HDAC1 and RCOR-GFI-KDM1A-HDAC complexes, that suppress, via histone deacetylase(HDAC) recruitment, a number of genes implicated in multilineage blood cell development. Regulates neutrophil differentiation, promotes proliferation of lymphoid cells, and is required for granulocyte development. Mediates, together with U2AF1L4, the alternative splicing of CD45 and controls T-cell receptor signaling. Regulates the endotoxin-mediated Toll-like receptor(TLR) inflammatory response by antagonizing RELA. Cooperates with CBFA2T2 to regulate ITGB1-dependent neurite growth. Controls cell-cycle progression by repressing CDKNIA/p21 transcription in response to TGFB1 via recruitment of GFI1 by ZBTB17 to the CDKNIA/p21 and CDKNIB promoters. Required for the maintenance of inner ear hair cells.
