Transcription factor that binds to DNA at the consensus sequence 5'-CAG[GC]TG-3' (PubMed:33712461). Dimerization with TCF3 isoform E47 may be required in certain situations (By similarity). Binds to gene promoters and enhancer elements, and thereby regulates a transcriptional program of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) determinant genes (PubMed:33712461). 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 (PubMed:11493566, PubMed:11156601, PubMed:12451142, PubMed:33712461). Binds to its own promoter and enhancer sequences, suggesting autoregulation of ATOH7 transcription (PubMed:33712461). Required for retinal circadian rhythm photoentrainment (PubMed:12451142, PubMed:26392540). Plays a role in brainstem auditory signaling and binaural processing (PubMed:17977745). Forms a heterodimer with TCF3 isoform E47; interaction may be required for DNA-binding in certain situations. Expressed in retinal ganglion cells (PubMed:26392540). Expressed in the cerebellum, trapezoid body, ventral nucleus of the lateral lamniscus and in areas of the auditory hindbrain such as the cochlear nucleus, lateral superior olive and medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (PubMed:17977745). Expressed in the modiolar nerve root and in the cochlear in a small group of bushy neurons within the acoustic nerve (PubMed:17977745). Expressed weakly in the sensory epithelia of the saccule and utricle (PubMed:17977745). Expression initiates at 11 dpc in the central optic cup and is detected in retinal progenitor cells until birth (PubMed:9806930). In addition to the eye, only expressed in the developing tenth cranial ganglion between 13.5 dpc and 15.5 dpc (PubMed:9806930). Expressed in the retina and faintly expressed in the caudal rhombic lip and rostral rhombic lip at 12.5 dpc (PubMed:17977745). Expressed in the presumptive ventral cochlear nucleus and in initial axons emerging from the cochlear nucleus and extending via the trapezoid body towards the ipsilateral lateral superior olive at 14.5 dpc (PubMed:17977745). Expressed in the cochlear duct epithelium between 14.5 dpc and 17.5 dpc (PubMed:17977745). Expressed in the retina at 16.5 dpc (PubMed:17977745). Expressed in the cochlear nucleus at 16.5 dpc and P8 (PubMed:17977745). Abundantly expressed in the ventral cochlear nucleus and axons originating from these cells that form branches in the lateral superior olive at 18.5dpc (PubMed:17977745). Mice are viable and fertile but display multiple optic abnormalities resulting in blindness (PubMed:11493566, PubMed:11156601, PubMed:12451142, PubMed:26392540, PubMed:33712461). Normal hindbrain morphology, however mice show disruption of brainstem auditory signaling and binaural processing (PubMed:17977745). Loss of retinal circadian rhythm photoentrainment, and decreased expression of Opn5 (PubMed:12451142, PubMed:26392540). Loss of the retinohypothalamic tract connecting the retina to the suprachiasmatic nuclei (PubMed:12451142). Loss of axon bundles, optic nerves and chiasmata, with a decreased thickness of the retinal inner plexiform layer and inner nuclear layer (PubMed:11493566). Increase in cone photoreceptors and decrease in dopaminergic amacrine cells in the ganglion cell layer (PubMed:11493566, PubMed:33712461). Loss of retinal Pou4f2-expressing retinal ganglion cells resulting in a decrease in the thickness of the retinal cell layer and loss of the nerve fiber layer (PubMed:11493566, PubMed:11156601). Significant reduction in RGCs and compensatory increase in cone photoreceptors and neurogenic progenitor cells at 14.5 dpc (PubMed:33712461). The 1% of RGCs that survive into adulthood show severe axon guidance defects and extend into the retina instead of targeting the optic disk with only a few forming a rudimentary optic nerve (PubMed:33712461). No observable RGC axonal terminals in the brain and persistent retinal hyaloid vasculature into adulthood (PubMed:33712461). In Atoh7 and Bax double knockout mice, significant reduction in RGCs and compensatory increase in cone photoreceptor cells and neurogenic retinal progenitor cells at 14.5 dpc, however there is no difference in the number of RGCs derived from Atoh7-expressing cells and cone photoreceptors during adulthood (PubMed:33712461). Reduced light spatial receptive fields, slower light-driven responses and reduced pupillary light response (PubMed:33712461).