Transcription factor which binds the E box motif 5'-CA[TC][AG]TG-3'. Involved in regulating energy expenditure, body mass, voluntary physical activity, mating behavior and reproductive longevity, acting through the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Acts as a transcriptional activator of target genes, including NDN and PCSK1. May act centrally to regulate function of both white and brown adipose tissue. Together with NHLH1, required to maintain migration and survival of cells in the anterior extramural migration stream (aes), which forms the precerebellar nuclei. Also, in concert with NHLH1, may determine fate of gonadotropin releasing hormone-1 (GnRH-1) neurons. Homodimer. Interacts and may form heterodimers with STAT3.