Transcriptional regulator which binds to the E box motif 5'-CACGTG-3', when in a heterodimeric complex with mdl-1 (PubMed:9764821). Involved in the control of lifespan in response to dietary restriction, the decline in protein homeostasis associated with normal aging and may overlap with the insulin-like signaling pathway (PubMed:24699255). Involved in promoting infection by the microsporidian pathogen N.parisii (PubMed:27402359). Heterodimer with mdl-1 in presence and absence of DNA. Expressed weakly in L1 animals and strongly throughout the remainder of larval development (PubMed:9764821). Expressed in posterior intestinal cells, neurons, hypodermal cells and body wall muscles (PubMed:9764821). RNAi-mediated knockdown increases lifespan, which is abolished on an mxl-2 or mml-1 mutant background, or by simultaneous RNAi-mediated knockdown of daf-16 or pha-4 (PubMed:24699255). RNAi-mediated knockdown causes delayed onset of polyglutamine-mediated paralysis (PubMed:24699255). Belongs to the MAX family.