Transcriptional regulator involved in different processes such as glucose metabolism, aerobic glycolysis, muscle cell differentiation and autophagy. Recognizes and binds the forkhead DNA sequence motif (5'-GTAAACA-3') and can both act as a transcription activator or repressor, depending on the context. Together with FOXK2, acts as a key regulator of metabolic reprogramming towards aerobic glycolysis, a process in which glucose is converted to lactate in the presence of oxygen. Acts by promoting expression of enzymes for glycolysis (such as hexokinase-2 (HK2), phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase (PKLR) and lactate dehydrogenase), while suppressing further oxidation of pyruvate in the mitochondria by up-regulating pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases PDK1 and PDK4. Probably plays a role in gluconeogenesis during overnight fasting, when lactate from white adipose tissue and muscle is the main substrate. Involved in mTORC1-mediated metabolic reprogramming: in response to mTORC1 signaling, translocates into the nucleus and regulates the expression of genes associated with glycolysis and downstream anabolic pathways, such as HIF1A, thereby regulating glucose metabolism. Together with FOXK2, acts as a negative regulator of autophagy in skeletal muscle: in response to starvation, enters the nucleus, binds the promoters of autophagy genes and represses their expression, preventing proteolysis of skeletal muscle proteins. Acts as a transcriptional regulator of the myogenic progenitor cell population in skeletal muscle. Binds to the upstream enhancer region (CCAC box) of myoglobin (MB) gene, regulating the myogenic progenitor cell population. Promotes muscle progenitor cell proliferation by repressing the transcriptional activity of FOXO4, thereby inhibiting myogenic differentiation. Involved in remodeling processes of adult muscles that occur in response to physiological stimuli. Required to correct temporal orchestration of molecular and cellular events necessary for muscle repair. Represses myogenic differentiation by inhibiting MEFC activity. Positively regulates Wnt/beta-catenin signaling by translocating DVL into the nucleus. Reduces virus replication, probably by binding the interferon stimulated response element (ISRE) to promote antiviral gene expression.
