Transcription factor (PubMed:16584723, PubMed:19287374, PubMed:23788625). Probably binds to DNA sequences containing the consensus motif 5'-CGGA[AT][AG]-3' (PubMed:19287374). Positively modulates expression of dopamine pathway genes, acting as a terminal selector for differentiation of dopaminergic neurons; may act in concert with homeobox proteins ceh-40, ceh-43 and ceh-20 (PubMed:19287374, PubMed:23788625, PubMed:22069471). Required for axon navigation in some interneurons, perhaps acting in the same pathways as basement membrane protein nid-1 and unc-6/netrin (PubMed:16584723). Plays a role in the differentiation of the ventral cord pioneer neuron AVG (PubMed:16584723). Required for morphogenesis of the pharynx (PubMed:16584723). Initially localized only in the nucleus, but later in development, at about the 3-fold stage, expressed elsewhere in the cell body and also in the neuronal projections. Expressed in the A-neurons in the male-specific genital sensilla (simple sense organs) known as rays. Expressed in the embryo in sensory neurons with 6-fold symmetry, probably the inner labial neurons (PubMed:16584723). Expressed between comma and 3-fold stage, diminishing afterwards and absent in larval stages and adults (PubMed:16584723). Expressed in all dopaminergic neurons throughout postembryonic stages (PubMed:19287374). Expressed in a few cells in the pharynx at the 2-fold stage (PubMed:16584723). RNAi-mediated knockdown abolishes expression of tyrosine monooxygenase cat-2 in neurons in the male-specific genital sensilla (simple sense organs) known as rays. Belongs to the ETS family.