Bhlhe41 - basic helix-loop-helix family, member e41

This gene encodes a basic helix-loop-helix protein expressed in various tissues. The encoded protein can interact with Arntl or compete for E-box binding sites in the promoter of Per1 and repress Clock/Arntl's transactivation of Per1. This gene is believed to be involved in the control of circadian rhythm and cell differentiation. Defects in this gene are associated with the short sleep phenotype. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding multiple isoforms have been observed for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Feb 2014]