Transcription factor (PubMed:17826759). Binds to the E box motif 5'-CACGTG-3', probably in a heterodimeric complex with mml-1 (PubMed:17826759). Involved in modulating longevity in response to TOR signaling, dietary restriction, the decline in protein homeostasis associated with normal aging, germline signaling and the insulin-like signaling pathway (PubMed:24699255, PubMed:27001890). Plays a role in autophagy (PubMed:27001890). Involved in regulating migration of the ray 1 precursor cells in the male tail, acting in concert with Wnt and semaphorin signaling pathways (PubMed:17826759). Regulates transcription of genes encoding extracellular matrix (ECM) components which may contribute to the substratum required for migration of the neighboring ray 1 precursor cells (PubMed:17826759). Required for resistance to oxidative stress (PubMed:24699255). Involved in promoting infection by the microsporidian pathogen N.parisii, probably acting independently of its canonical partner, mml-1 (PubMed:27402359). Only sporadic mitochondrial localization. Widely expressed. Expressed in non-migratory, syncytial epidermis at larval stage L1. RNAi-mediated knockdown reduces lifespan and is further reduced on a daf-2 mutant background (PubMed:24699255). RNAi-mediated knockdown causes premature onset of polyglutamine-mediated paralysis (PubMed:24699255). RNAi-mediated knockdown reduces spore levels of the microsporidian pathogen N.parisii during infection, further reduced on an mdl-1 mutant background (PubMed:27402359).