Involved in programmed cell death/apoptosis. Acts by recruiting ced-6 to phagosomes which enables actin-dependent cytoskeletal reorganization and subsequent engulfment of the apoptotic cell corpse. Has a role in the association of ppk-3 and rab-7 with the phagosomal surface which is necessary for the incorporation of lysosomes to phagosomes during phagosome maturation. Activates the expression of unfolded protein response genes, which are involved in the immune response to live bacteria (By similarity). Interacts (via C-terminus) with ced-6 (via PTB domain). Colocalizes with ced-6 and actin halos around early apoptotic cells. Temporally colocalizes with dyn-1 during engulfment of cell corpses (By similarity). Phosphorylation of Tyr-1021, within the YXXL motif, is thought to initiate phagosomal formation.