Probably plays a role in the development of the brain and the sense organs. Can bind to the BCD target sequence (BTS): 5'-TCTAATCCC-3' (By similarity). May have a role in the FGF2-mediated proliferation of neuronal progenitors, but not of glial progenitors. Interaction between basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) may be important for the regulation of neurogenesis in the forebrain.