Enables RNA polymerase II cis-regulatory region sequence-specific DNA binding activity and protein heterodimerization activity. Contributes to RNA polymerase II transcription regulatory region sequence-specific DNA binding activity. Involved in several processes, including positive regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II; regulation of axon extension involved in axon guidance; and regulation of egg-laying behavior. Located in nucleus. Part of RNA polymerase II transcription regulator complex. Is expressed in several structures, including AB lineage cell; P1; P10; nerve ring; and neurons. Orthologous to several human genes including ASCL1 (achaete-scute family bHLH transcription factor 1).
WB Description
hlh-3 encodes a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor homologous to Drosophila Achaete-scute; in vitro, HLH-3 can heterodimerize, and bind an E-box-containing probe, with HLH-2, the C. elegans E/daughterless ortholog with which it is coexpressed in the nuclei of embryonic neuronal precursors.