Hes6 does not bind DNA itself but suppresses both HES1-mediated N box-dependent transcriptional repression and binding of HES1 to E box sequences. Hes6 also suppresses HES1-mediated inhibition of the heterodimer formed by ASCL1/MASH1 and TCF3/E47, allowing ASCL1 and TCF3 to up-regulate transcription in its presence. It promotes cell differentiation.