Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.1.0)
Enables DNA-binding transcription activator activity, RNA polymerase II-specific; RNA polymerase II cis-regulatory region sequence-specific DNA binding activity; and chromatin DNA binding activity. Involved in negative regulation of gliogenesis; positive regulation of inner ear receptor cell differentiation; and positive regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including generation of neurons; neuroblast migration; and positive regulation of inner ear auditory receptor cell differentiation. Located in nucleus. Is expressed in several structures, including alimentary system; central nervous system; genitourinary system; inner ear; and skin. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in autosomal dominant nonsyndromic deafness. Orthologous to human ATOH1 (atonal bHLH transcription factor 1).