Transcription factor that acts as a master regulator of lysosomal biogenesis, autophagy, lysosomal exocytosis, lipid catabolism, energy metabolism and immune response (PubMed:16936731, PubMed:22343943, PubMed:27278822). Specifically recognizes and binds E-box sequences (5'-CANNTG-3'); efficient DNA-binding requires dimerization with itself or with another MiT/TFE family member such as TFE3 or MITF (PubMed:16936731, PubMed:27278822). Involved in the cellular response to amino acid availability by acting downstream of MTOR: in the presence of nutrients, TFEB phosphorylation by MTOR promotes its cytosolic retention and subsequent inactivation (By similarity). Upon starvation or lysosomal stress, inhibition of MTOR induces TFEB dephosphorylation, resulting in nuclear localization and transcription factor activity (By similarity). Specifically recognizes and binds the CLEAR-box sequence (5'-GTCACGTGAC-3') present in the regulatory region of many lysosomal genes, leading to activate their expression, thereby playing a central role in expression of lysosomal genes (By similarity). Regulates lysosomal positioning in response to nutrient deprivation by promoting the expression of PIP4P1 (PubMed:29146937). Acts as a positive regulator of autophagy by promoting expression of genes involved in autophagy (PubMed:27278822). In association with TFE3, activates the expression of CD40L in T-cells, thereby playing a role in T-cell-dependent antibody responses in activated CD4(+) T-cells and thymus-dependent humoral immunity (PubMed:16936731). Specifically recognizes the gamma-E3 box, a subset of E-boxes, present in the heavy-chain immunoglobulin enhancer (By similarity). Plays a role in the signal transduction processes required for normal vascularization of the placenta (PubMed:9806910). Involved in the immune response to infection by the bacteria S.aureus or S.enterica, acting downstream of protein kinase D (PKD), probably by regulating cytokine and chemokine expression (PubMed:24882217, PubMed:27184844). Homodimer and heterodimer; with TFE3 or MITF. Mainly present in the cytoplasm (By similarity). Under aberrant lysosomal storage conditions, it translocates from the cytoplasm to the nucleus (By similarity). The translocation to the nucleus is regulated by ATP13A2 (PubMed:27278822). Colocalizes with mTORC1 on the lysosomal membrane: when nutrients are present, phosphorylation by MTOR prevents nuclear translocation and activity (By similarity). Conversely, inhibition of mTORC1, starvation and lysosomal disruption, promotes dephosphorylation and translocation to the nucleus (By similarity). Exported from the nucleus in response to nutrient availability (By similarity). In macrophages, translocates into the nucleus upon live S.enterica infection (By similarity). Widely expressed. Expressed at low levels in the embryo but at high levels in the labyrinthine trophoblast cells of the placenta. The leucine zipper region is essential for homo- or heterodimerization and high-affinity DNA binding. DNA binding is mediated by the basic region. Sumoylated; does not affect dimerization with MITF. Phosphorylation by MTOR regulates its subcellular location and activity. When nutrients are present, phosphorylation by MTOR promotes association with 14-3-3/YWHA adapters and retention in the cytosol. Inhibition of mTORC1, starvation and lysosomal disruption, promotes dephosphorylation and translocation to the nucleus. Exported from the nucleus in a mTORC1-dependent manner in response to nutrient availability. Death between 9.5 and 10.5 days in embryonic development. Embryos display severe defects in placental vascularization. The embryonic vasculature forms normally but few vessels are seen entering the placenta and those that do enter fail to thrive and branch normally. Belongs to the MiT/TFE family. Extended N-terminus.