Adapter protein, which is found in various multiprotein chromatin complexes with histone acetyltransferase activity (HAT), which gives a specific tag for epigenetic transcription activation. Component of the NuA4 histone acetyltransferase complex which is responsible for acetylation of nucleosomal histones H4 and H2A. Plays a central role in MYC transcription activation, and also participates in cell transformation by MYC. Required for p53/TP53-, E2F1- and E2F4-mediated transcription activation. Also involved in transcription activation mediated by the adenovirus E1A, a viral oncoprotein that deregulates transcription of key genes. Probably acts by linking transcription factors such as E1A, MYC or E2F1 to HAT complexes such as STAGA thereby allowing transcription activation. Probably not required in the steps following histone acetylation in processes of transcription activation. May be required for the mitotic checkpoint and normal cell cycle progression. Component of a SWR1-like complex that specifically mediates the removal of histone H2A.Z/H2AZ1 from the nucleosome. May play a role in the formation and maintenance of the auditory system (By similarity).