Transcriptional regulator that plays an important role in general stress response. Has many effects on cell morphology, cell growth and cell division. Acts by regulating the transcription of many genes, including dacA (PBP-5), dacC (PBP-6), ampC and mreB. Probably involved in the coordination of genes that adapt the cell physiology in order to enhance cell adaptation and survival under stress conditions. Essential for normal cell morphology in stationary phase and under conditions of starvation (PubMed:10361282, PubMed:12354237, PubMed:19111750, PubMed:21464593, PubMed:25691594). Also regulates a complex network of genes encoding proteins related to biofilm development, and negatively modulates flagellar biosynthesis and swimming capacity. Could be a motile/adhesive transcriptional switch, specifically involved in the transition between the planktonic and the attachment stage of biofilm formation (PubMed:25691594). Overexpression produces round cell shape, impairs cell growth rate and induces biofilm development (PubMed:305364, PubMed:15345459, PubMed:21464593). Induced during the transition to the stationary phase, under the control of the sigma factor RpoS (PubMed:2684651). Also induced during early logarithmic growth in response to several forms of stress (heat shock, acidic stress, oxidative stress, carbon-starvation stress and osmotic shock), and this induction can be partially RpoS independent (PubMed:10361282). Was predicted, by combining genome sequences, physical interactions and 3D structures analyses, to be a reductase that interacts with a glutaredoxin. Belongs to the BolA/IbaG family. Extended N-terminus. Extended N-terminus. Extended N-terminus.