Acts as a sequence specific DNA binding transcriptional activator or repressor. The isoforms contain a varying set of transactivation and auto-regulating transactivation inhibiting domains thus showing an isoform specific activity. May be required in conjunction with TP73/p73 for initiation of p53/TP53 dependent apoptosis in response to genotoxic insults and the presence of activated oncogenes. Involved in Notch signaling by probably inducing JAG1 and JAG2. Activates transcription of the p21 promoter (By similarity). Activates RIPK4 transcription. Plays a role in the regulation of epithelial morphogenesis. The ratio of DeltaN-type and TA*-type isoforms may govern the maintenance of epithelial stem cell compartments and regulate the initiation of epithelial stratification from the undifferentiated embryonal ectoderm. Required for limb formation from the apical ectodermal ridge.