Achaete-scute homolog 2 (ASH-2) (hASH2) (Class A basic helix-loop-helix protein 45) (bHLHa45) (Mash2)
1_MDGGT 6_ LPRSA 11_ PPAPP 16_ VPVGC 21_ AARRR 26_ PASPE 31_ LLRCS 36_ RRRRP 41_ ATAET 46_ GGGAA 51_ AVARR 56_ NERER 61_ NRVKL 66_ VNLGF 71_ QALRQ 76_ HVPHG 81_ GASKK 86_ LSKVE 91_ TLRSA 96_ VEYIR 101_ ALQRL 106_ LAEHD 111_ AVRNA 116_ LAGGL 121_ RPQAV 126_ RPSAP 131_ RGPPG 136_ TTPVA 141_ ASPSR 146_ ASSSP 151_ GRGGS 156_ SEPGS 161_ PRSAY 166_ SSDDS 171_ GCEGA 176_ LSPAE 181_ RELLD 186_FSSWL
1: Transcription factor. Binds to E-box motifs 5'-CANNTG-3' in the regulatory elements of target genes, probably as a heterodimer with another basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) protein such as the transcription factor TCF3. May bind both open and closed chromatin, acting as a pioneer transcription factor to allow other factors to bind and activate lineage-specific genes. Required during post-implantation development for the generation of some differentiated trophoblast cell types. Transcriptional activity of ASCL2 may be antagonised in a subset of trophoblast cells by bHLH transcription factor HAND1, perhaps by competing for dimerization with other bHLH proteins. Involved in differentiation and function of follicular T-helper (Tfh) cells, thereby playing a role in germinal center responses; probably modulates expression of genes involved in Tfh cell function, such as BCL6. May also act as a suppressor of Th1-, Th2- and Th17-cell differentiation. Induces the formation of stem cells in intestinal crypts in vitro, synergistically activating transcription of target genes, such as SOX9, together with TCF4/beta-catenin. May form a bistable transcriptional switch, controlling expression of its own gene together with Wnt/R-spondin signaling, and thereby maintaining stem cell characteristics (By similarity). Modulates expression of target genes, including perhaps down-regulating EGR1/Krox24 and chemokine CXCL10/Mob-1 and up-regulating CXCR4 and CDKN1C/p57kip2, in Schwann cells. May play a role in reducing proliferation of Schwann cells, perhaps acting via modulation of expression of CDKN1C (By similarity). May be dispensable for blastocyst formation and later embryonic function (By similarity). May be involved in the determination of neuronal precursors (By similarity)