BRN3A, also known as POU4F1, is a multifunctional transcription factor belonging to the POU family of transcription factors. It plays a crucial role in the differentiation and survival of specific neuronal lineages, particularly in sensory neurons and brainstem nuclei involved in motor control. BRN3A regulates gene expression by binding to the consensus octamer motif in the regulatory regions of target genes, with its C-terminal domain mediating DNA binding and its N-terminal domain contributing to transcriptional activation. It is highly expressed during embryonic development, particularly in the brain, spinal cord, and retina, and is essential for the specification and survival of retinal ganglion cells. Additionally, BRN3A has been implicated in protecting neurons from apoptosis by activating BCL2 expression and is involved in the regulation of synaptic protein expression.