Class E basic helix-loop-helix protein 22 (BHLHE22)

Inhibits DNA binding of TCF3/E47 homodimers and TCF3 (E47)/NEUROD1 heterodimers and acts as a strong repressor of Neurod1 and Myod-responsive genes, probably by heterodimerization with class a fundamental helix-loop-helix factors. Regardless of the presence of an intact standard domain, does not bind to DNA (By similarity).

In the brain, may function as an area-specific transcription factor that regulates the postmitotic acquisition of area identities and elucidate the genetic hierarchy between progenitors and postmitotic neurons driving neocortical arealization. May be needed for the survival of a particular population of inhibitory neurons in the superficial laminae of the spinal chord dorsal horn which may regulate pruritis.