This gene is one of several closely related genes on chromosome 7 encoding proteins containing helix-loop-helix motifs. These proteins may function as regulators of transcription. The encoded protein is unique in that its C-terminus is derived from CHARLIE8 transposable element sequence. This gene is located in a region of chromosome 7 that is deleted in Williams-Beuren syndrome, and loss of this locus may contribute to the cognitive phenotypes observed in this disease. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2013].