lag-1 encodes a transcription factor orthologous to members of the CSL (CBF1, Suppressor of Hairless, LAG-1) family that is highly conserved amongst metazoans; during development, LAG-1 functions as a downstream effector in both the lin-12- and glp-1-mediated Notch-like signaling pathways and accordingly, is required for such processes as germline induction, AC/VU lateral signaling, and embryonic development; LAG-1 can bind a consensus CSL family binding site found in multiple copies in the predicted regulatory regions of lin-12, glp-1, and lag-1, thus implicating LAG-1 as an important component of the positive feedback loop observed in the LIN-12/GLP-1 signaling pathway.
Enables Notch binding activity; RNA polymerase II cis-regulatory region sequence-specific DNA binding activity; and transcription coactivator binding activity. Involved in several processes, including cell differentiation; dauer exit; and regulation of DNA-templated transcription. Located in nucleus. Part of RNA polymerase II transcription regulator complex and chromatin. Expressed in several structures, including P4.p; P5.p; P6.p; P7.p; and P8.p. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in Adams-Oliver syndrome and dilated cardiomyopathy. Is an ortholog of human RBPJ (recombination signal binding protein for immunoglobulin kappa J region).