Transcription factor that plays a key role in neuronal differentiation by specifically repressing expression of non-neuronal genes during neuron differentiation (PubMed:28379941). In contrast to other transcription repressors that inhibit specific lineages, mediates repression of multiple differentiation programs (PubMed:28379941). Also represses expression of negative regulators of neurogenesis, such as members of the Notch signaling pathway, including HES1 (PubMed:28379941). The combination of three transcription factors, ASCL1, POU3F2/BRN2 and MYT1L, is sufficient to reprogram fibroblasts and other somatic cells into induced neuronal (iN) cells in vitro (PubMed:20107439, PubMed:24243019, PubMed:27281220). Directly binds the 5'-AAGTT-3' core motif present on the promoter of target genes and represses transcription by recruiting a multiprotein complex containing SIN3B (PubMed:28379941). The 5'-AAGTT-3' core motif is absent from the promoter of neural genes (PubMed:28379941). Interacts with SIN3B. Preferentially binds to DNA binding sites that are in an open chromatin configuration (PubMed:28379941). Brain. Expression is restricted to and present throughout the embryonic CNS and developing peripheral neural structures. In the embryonic CNS, expression is restricted to postmitotic neuronal regions. During the neurogenetic period (11 dpc-17 dpc) expression is associated temporally and spatially with the known generation of the first cortical neurons with known gradients of neuron production. Expression continues in developing postmitotic cortical neurons throughout embryonic development and is expressed within 2 days of neuronal induction in P19 cells. Up-regulated by retinoic acid. Belongs to the MYT1 family.