Enables DNA-binding transcription factor activity; chromatin binding activity; and sequence-specific DNA binding activity. Involved in nervous system development. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including musculoskeletal movement, spinal reflex action; nervous system development; and neuroendocrine cell differentiation. Located in neuronal cell body and nucleus. Is expressed in several structures, including future brain; genitourinary system; nervous system; respiratory system; and sensory organ. Orthologous to human ASCL1 (achaete-scute family bHLH transcription factor 1). [provided by Alliance of Genome Resources, Apr 2022]