Multifunctional protein with various roles in different cellular compartments. May act in a redox sensitive manner. Associates with chromatin and binds DNA with a preference to non-canonical DNA structures such as single-stranded DNA. Can bent DNA and enhance DNA flexibility by looping thus providing a mechanism to promote activities on various gene promoters . Proposed to be involved in the innate immune response to nucleic acids by acting as a cytoplasmic promiscuous immunogenic DNA/RNA sensor . Negatively regulates B-cell and myeloid cell differentiation. In hematopoietic stem cells may regulate the balance between self-renewal and differentiation. Involved in negative regulation of canonical Wnt signaling .
