Neurogenin 2 is a helix-loop-helix class of transcription factor. Transcription factors with bHLH motifs modulate critical events in the development of the mammalian neocortex. The transition from proliferation to neurogenesis involves a coordinate increase in the activity of proneural bHLH factors, including Neurogenin 2 and a decrease in the activity of Hes and Id factors. bHLH factors have key roles in corticogenesis, affecting the timing of differentiation and the specification of cell fate.