basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) domain found in protein atonal homologs ATOH1, ATOH7 and similar proteins
The family includes ATOH1 and ATOH7. ATOH1, also termed Class A basic helix-loop-helix protein 14 (bHLHa14), or helix-loop-helix protein hATH-1 (hATH1), or Math1, or Cath1, is a proneural bHLH transcription factor that is essential for inner ear hair cell differentiation. It dimerizes with E47 and activates E-box (CANNTG) dependent transcription. ATOH1 is a mammalian homolog of the Drosophila melanogaster gene atonal and mouse atonal homolog 1 (Math1). ATOH7, also termed Class A basic helix-loop-helix protein 13 (bHLHa13), or helix-loop-helix protein hATH-5 (hATH5), or Math5, is a bHLH transcription factor involved in the differentiation of retinal ganglion cells. The family also includes protein Amos (also termed absent MD neurons and olfactory sensilla protein, or reduced olfactory organs protein, or rough eye protein). It is a bHLH transcription factor that promotes multiple dendritic neuron formation in the Drosophila peripheral nervous system.