This gene encodes a member of the NeuroD family of basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors. The protein forms heterodimers with other bHLH proteins and activates transcription of genes that contain a specific DNA sequence known as the E-box. It regulates expression of the insulin gene, and mutations in this gene result in type II diabetes mellitus. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]
Forensic Context
A study in Wistar-albino rats demonstrated that the NEUROD1 gene, identified via microarray analysis as part of the brain's response to mild traumatic brain injury, was down-regulated at 12 hours post-trauma and subsequently up-regulated at 48 hours [Colak et al. DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2012.01.021].