MGA functions as a dual-specificity transcription factor, regulating the expression of both MAX-network and T-box family target genes and functions as a repressor or an activator. It binds to 5'-AATTTCACACCTAGGTGTGAAATT-3' core sequence and seems to regulate MYC-MAX target genes. It suppresses transcriptional activation by MYC and inhibits MYC-dependent cell transformation. It function activated by heterodimerization with MAX. This heterodimerization serves the dual function of both generating an E-box-binding heterodimer and simultaneously blocking interaction of a corepressor