Enables sequence-specific DNA binding activity. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including chordate embryonic development; enteric nervous system development; and heart development. Predicted to be located in several cellular components, including chromosome, centromeric region; nuclear matrix; and spindle pole. Predicted to be part of cohesin complex. Is expressed in several structures, including brain; digestive system; head; optic cup; and ventricular zone. Used to study Cornelia de Lange syndrome; brain cancer; and congenital heart disease. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in Cornelia de Lange syndrome 4; endometrial cancer; hepatocellular carcinoma; and lung non-small cell carcinoma. Orthologous to human RAD21 (RAD21 cohesin complex component).