Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-bound sequence-specific transcription factor that directly binds DNA and activates transcription. Plays a role in the unfolded protein response (UPR), promoting cell survival versus ER stress-induced apoptotic cell death. Also involved in cell proliferation, migration and differentiation, tumor suppression and inflammatory gene expression. Acts as a positive regulator of LKN-1/CCL15-induced chemotaxis signaling of leukocyte cell migration. Associates with chromatin to the HERPUD1 promoter. Also induces transcriptional activation of chemokine receptors. Functions as a negative transcriptional regulator in ligand-induced transcriptional activation of the glucocorticoid receptor NR3C1 by recruiting and activating histone deacetylases (HDAC1, HDAC2 and HDAC6). Also decreases the acetylation level of histone H4. Does not promote the chemotactic activity of leukocyte cells