GATA1 is an important transcription factor involved in cell growth and cancer.The protein belongs to the GATA family of transcription factors. The protein plays an important role in erythroid development by regulating the switch of fetal hemoglobin to adult hemoglobin. Mutations in this gene have been associated with X-linked dyserythropoietic anemia and thrombocytopenia.

It is essential for erythroid (red blood cell) and megakaryocytic (platelet producing cell) development and mice without GATA1 die as embryos. It helps transcribe the α-spectrin structural protein which is critical for the shape of red blood cells.It has been found to enhance the transcription rates by up to 100 times in humans.