Transcriptional activator that binds the same DNA consensus sequence as p53. Has a role in normal development to ensure proper meiotic chromosome segregation. Promotes apoptosis under conditions of cellular and genotoxic stress in response to DNA damage, hypoxia, or starvation. However, not required for DNA repair in response to UV-C or to regulate cell-cycle progression. Regulates germline apoptosis in response to DNA damage. Required for induction of ced-13 in response to DNA damage. Its pro-apoptotic activity is inhibited when bound to ape-1 in vitro (By similarity). Regulates germline proliferation by activating phg-1. Regulates DNA damage-induced apoptosis by inducing transcription of the programmed cell death activator egl-1. Negatively regulates lifespan. Binds 1 zinc ion per subunit. Homodimer. Interacts (via C-terminus domain) with prmt-5; not methylated by prmt-5. Interacts with cbp-1 (via HAT domain); cep-1 transcriptional activity may be inhibited by interaction with methylated cbp-1. Component of a complex that contains prmt-5 and cbp-1 (By similarity). Interacts with ape-1; the interaction inhibits pro-apoptotic activity of cep-1 (By similarity). By DNA damage. Phosphorylated in response to IR-induced DNA damage which is thought to be mediated by akt-1. Belongs to the p53 family.