NeuroD is a member of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family of transcription factors. Acts as a transcriptional activator: mediates transcriptional activation by binding to E box-containing promoter consensus core sequences 5'-CANNTG-3'. NeuroD is also phosphorylated at Ser274 though the results are context dependent as phosphorylation by Erk stimulates NeuroD activity in pancreatic β-cells while phosphorylation by GSK-3β inhibits NeuroD in neurons. Also required for dendrite morphogenesis and maintenance in the cerebellar cortex. Associates with chromatin to enhancer regulatory elements in genes encoding key transcriptional regulators of neurogenesis.
