Enables DNA-binding transcription factor activity, RNA polymerase II-specific and sequence-specific DNA binding activity. Involved in adenohypophysis development; hindbrain morphogenesis; and regulation of transcription by RNA polymerase II. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including digestive tract development; nervous system development; and regulation of gene expression. Predicted to be located in nucleus. Predicted to be part of RNA polymerase II transcription regulator complex. Is expressed in several structures, including digestive system; nervous system; neural tube; neuronal stem cell; and optic cup. Orthologous to human ASCL1 (achaete-scute family bHLH transcription factor 1).