该基因编码转录因子的碱性螺旋-环-螺旋（bhlh）家族的一个成员。该蛋白通过与E盒（5’-canntg-3’）结合激活转录。与其他bhlh蛋白二聚是有效DNA结合所必需的。这种蛋白在神经元承担和分化以及嗅觉和自主神经细胞的生成中起到作用。这种基因的突变可能导致罕见病例的先天性中枢通气不足综合征（CCHS）表型。
This gene encodes a member of the basic helix-loop-helix (BHLH) family of transcription factors. The protein activates transcription by binding to the E box (5'-CANNTG-3'). Dimerization with other BHLH proteins is required for efficient DNA binding. This protein plays a role in the neuronal commitment and differentiation and in the generation of olfactory and autonomic neurons. Mutations in this gene may contribute to the congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) phenotype in rare cases.