Forkhead box protein A1 is a transcription factor required for the development of endoderm-derived organs, such as liver, lung, and prostate. FoxA1 functions as a pioneer factor that is recruited primarily to the distant enhancers to change chromatin structure for transcription in a cell type-specific manner. Involved in regulation of apoptosis by inhibiting the expression of BCL2. Involved in cell cycle regulation by activating expression of CDKN1B, alone or in conjunction with BRCA1.