Crucial silencing factor contributing to the initiation of X inactivation mediated by Xist RNA that occurs during embryogenesis and in lymphoma (By similarity). Binds to DNA at special AT-rich sequences; the consensus SATB1-binding sequence (CSBS); at nuclear matrix- or scaffold-associated regions. Thought to recognize the sugar-phosphate structure of double-stranded DNA. Transcriptional repressor controlling nuclear and viral gene expression in a phosphorylated and acetylated status-dependent manner; by binding to matrix attachment regions (MARs) of DNA and inducing a local chromatin-loop remodeling. Acts as a docking site for several chromatin remodeling enzymes (e.g. PML at the MHC-I locus) and also by recruiting corepressors (HDACs) or coactivators (HATs) directly to promoters and enhancers. Modulates genes that are essential in the maturation of the immune T-cell CD8SP from thymocytes. Required for the switching of fetal globin species; and beta- and gamma-globin genes regulation during erythroid differentiation. Plays a role in chromatin organization and nuclear architecture during apoptosis. Interacts with the unique region (UR) of cytomegalovirus (CMV). Alu-like motifs and SATB1- binding sites provide a unique chromatin context which seems preferentially targeted by the HIV-1 integration machinery. Moreover; HIV-1 Tat may overcome SATB1-mediated repression of IL2 and IL2RA (interleukin) in T-cells by binding to the same domain than HDAC1. Delineates specific epigenetic modifications at target gene loci; directly up-regulating metastasis-associated genes while down-regulating tumor-suppressor genes. Reprograms chromatin organization and the transcription profiles of breast tumors to promote growth and metastasis. {ECO:0000250; ECO:0000269|PubMed:10595394; ECO:0000269|PubMed:11463840; ECO:0000269|PubMed:12374985; ECO:0000269|PubMed:12692553; ECO:0000269|PubMed:1505028; ECO:0000269|PubMed:15618465; ECO:0000269|PubMed:15713622; ECO:0000269|PubMed:16377216; ECO:0000269|PubMed:16630892; ECO:0000269|PubMed:17173041; ECO:0000269|PubMed:17376900; ECO:0000269|PubMed:18337816; ECO:0000269|PubMed:19103759; ECO:0000269|PubMed:19247486; ECO:0000269|PubMed:19332023; ECO:0000269|PubMed:19430959; ECO:0000269|PubMed:9111059; ECO:0000269|PubMed:9548713}.