Transcription factor which binds the E box motif 5'-GCAGGTG-3' (PubMed:17588558). Involved in migration of the gonadal leader cells; distal tip cells (DTCs) in hermaphrodites, and linker cells in males (PubMed:25982859, PubMed:17588558). Positively regulates expression of alpha integrin ina-1 and ADAMTS protease gon-1 (PubMed:25982859, PubMed:17588558). Forms a heterodimer with helix-loop-helix protein hlh-2. First expressed in the gonadal leader cells, the distal tip cells (DTCs) in hermaphrodites and linker cells in males, during the early larval L2 stage (PubMed:17588558). Expression in the linker cells in males continues until larval stage L4 (PubMed:17588558). Expression in DTCs in hermaphrodites continues until adulthood (PubMed:17588558). RNAi-mediated knockdown reduces expression of alpha integrin ina-1 and ADAMTS protease gon-1, and causes defects in migration of the gonadal distal tip cells (DTCs).