Transcription factor that binds to DNA at the consensus sequence 5'-CAG[GC]TG-3' (PubMed:31696227). Dimerization with TCF3 isoform E47 may be required in certain situations (PubMed:31696227). Binds to gene promoters and enhancer elements, and thereby regulates a transcriptional program of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) determinant genes (By similarity). Although the exact mechanism is not certain, retinal transcription regulation by ATOH7 has a role in RGC determination and survival, photoreceptor population development, targeting of RGC axons to the optic nerve and development of the retino-hypothalamic tract (By similarity). Binds to its own promoter and enhancer sequences, suggesting autoregulation of ATOH7 transcription (By similarity). Required for retinal circadian rhythm photoentrainment (By similarity). Plays a role in brainstem auditory signaling and binaural processing (By similarity). Forms a heterodimer with TCF3 isoform E47; interaction may be required for DNA-binding in certain situations. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. A 6.5 kb deletion that spans a remote cis regulatory element 20 kb upstream from ATOH7 has been found in PHPVAR patients (PubMed:21441919).