DNA-binding protein that preferentially recognizes a curved DNA sequence. It is probably a functional analog of DnaJ; displays overlapping activities with DnaJ, but functions under different conditions, probably acting as a molecular chaperone in an adaptive response to environmental stresses other than heat shock. Lacks autonomous chaperone activity; binds native substrates and targets them for recognition by DnaK. Its activity is inhibited by the binding of CbpM. In late stationary phase, by phosphate-starvation conditions. It binds to curved DNA in a sequence-nonspecific fashion.