Anti-Ascl2

Protein function: Transcription factor (PubMed:10611232, PubMed:29500235). 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 (PubMed:10611232, PubMed:29500235). May bind both open and closed chromatin, acting as a pioneer transcription factor to allow other factors to bind and activate lineage-specific genes (PubMed:29500235). Required during post-implantation development for the generation of some differentiated trophoblast cell types (PubMed:8090202). 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 (PubMed:10611232). 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 (PubMed:24463518). May also act as a suppressor of Th1-, Th2- and Th17-cell differentiation (PubMed:24463518). 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 (PubMed:25620640). May form a bistable transcriptional switch, controlling expression of its own gene together with Wnt/R-spondin signaling, and thereby maintaining stem cell characteristics (PubMed:25620640). 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. May be dispensable for blastocyst formation and later embryonic function (PubMed:8090202, PubMed:9622625). May be involved in the determination of neuronal precursors. [The UniProt Consortium]