Transcription factor that binds to the promoter and the enhancer regions of target genes (By similarity). May act together with the bZIP transcription factor, cebp-2 (PubMed:26876169). Involved in responding to mitochondrial damage (PubMed:28662060, PubMed:32350153). Plays a role in the delay of age-associated mitochondrial fragmentation and muscle decline (PubMed:32350153). Has a protective role in response to infection by the Gram-negative bacterium P.aeruginosa (PubMed:26876169, PubMed:28662060, PubMed:20133860). Required to prevent P.aeruginosa ToxA-mediated lethality (PubMed:22520464). Required for the activation of infection response genes irg-1 and irg-2 following P.aeruginosa infection (PubMed:20133860). Expressed in the pharynx, as well as throughout the intestine. Induced by P. aeruginosa infection. RNAi-mediated knockdown increases the proportion of aged worms with fragmented mitochondria from 5% to 59% and causes a 30% decrease in cellular ATP levels at day 8 in adult (PubMed:32350153). RNAi-mediated knockdown decreases survival upon infection with P.aeruginosa (PubMed:20133860, PubMed:28662060). RNAi-mediated knockdown reduces induction of expression of infection response gene, irg-1, in response to P.aeruginosa (PubMed:26876169, PubMed:20133860). Belongs to the bZIP family. C/EBP subfamily.