Nuclear receptor which binds directly to response elements in target gene promoters (PubMed:9477318, PubMed:10859169, PubMed:15314028, PubMed:15489294, PubMed:15383841, PubMed:15611047, PubMed:16626392, PubMed:19828440, PubMed:21814518). Activity is modulated by binding of steroid hormone ligands that include dafachronic acids (PubMed:16529801). Regulates expression of genes involved in postembryonic development and the dauer diapause, in response to environmental cues (PubMed:9477318, PubMed:10859169, PubMed:15489294, PubMed:15383841, PubMed:16626392, PubMed:19828440, PubMed:21814518). Inhibits the expression of let-7 family members when bound to corepressor din-1s which is an isoform of din-1 (PubMed:19828440). Plays a role in controlling the timing of seam cell development during the larval stages (PubMed:21471153). Has a role in the immune response to bacterial infection, via regulation of let-7 miRNAs (PubMed:23990780). Controls expression of genes that promote the aerobic catabolism of fatty acids for reproductive growth (PubMed:25774872). May be involved in thermotolerance (PubMed:24957743). Interacts with din-1 isoform d. Diffuse expression during mitosis (PubMed:10859169). Increased nuclear accumulation upon infection by E.coli (PubMed:23990780). Expressed throughout muscles of the pharynx (PubMed:11072073). Expressed in epidermal seam cells, the vulva, head neurons, mature spermatheca, uterus and intestine (PubMed:10859169, PubMed:23990780). Widely expressed from embryo through to adult stages; peak expression levels seem to occur during larval stage L2. Reduced lifespan associated with accelerated aging and increased tissue deterioration (PubMed:16626392). Defective dauer formation (PubMed:9477318, PubMed:10859169). In the absence of cholesterol, arrest with abnormal cuticle formation (PubMed:15383841). Increased resistance to P.aeruginosa infection possibly due to elevated expression of antimicrobial genes (PubMed:23990780). Prevents increase in the number of muscle arm extension in a daf-2 (e1375) background (PubMed:18436204). RNAi-mediated knockdown results in reduced lifespan, but increased resistance to bacterial infection (PubMed:23990780). Produced by alternative initiation at Met-60 of isoform a. Produced by alternative initiation at Met-487 of isoform a. Produced by alternative splicing. Belongs to the nuclear hormone receptor family.