The BEN domain is predicted to function as an adaptor for the higher-order structuring of chromatin, and recruitment of chromatin-modifying factors in transcriptional regulation. It has been suggested to mediate protein-DNA and protein-protein interactions during chromatin organisation and transcription. The presence of BEN domains in a poxviral early virosomal protein and in polydnaviral proteins also suggests a possible role in the organisation of viral DNA during replication or transcription. They are generally linked to other globular domains with functions related to transcriptional regulation and chromatin structure, such as BTB, C4DM, and C2H2 fingers.