Component of the nascent polypeptide-associated complex (NAC), a dynamic component of the ribosomal exit tunnel, protecting the emerging polypeptides from interaction with other cytoplasmic proteins to ensure appropriate nascent protein targeting. The NAC complex also promotes mitochondrial protein import by enhancing productive ribosome interactions with the outer mitochondrial membrane and blocks the inappropriate interaction of ribosomes translating non-secretory nascent polypeptides with translocation sites in the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum. Npc-2/egd1 may act as a transcription factor that exert a negative effect on the expression of several genes that are transcribed by RNA polymerase II. Part of the nascent polypeptide-associated complex (NAC), consisting of npc-1/egd2 and npc-2/egd1. NAC associates with ribosomes via npc-2/egd1 (By similarity). Predominantly cytoplasmic, may also transiently localize to the nucleus. Belongs to the NAC-beta family.