The ATOH1 gene encodes a protein that belongs to the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family of transcription factors. Specifically, ATOH1 interacts with E47 to activate E-box dependent transcription and plays a role in the differentiation of progenitors into secretory cells such as goblet, enteroendocrine, and Paneth cells. ATOH1 activity is inhibited by HES1, a transcription factor that negatively regulates neurogenesis. By carrying out its function, ATOH1 is believed to be involved in the biological processes of Notch signaling pathway, auditory receptor cell fate determination and cerebral cortex development.