Probable component of transcriptional regulatory complex with SMAD protein daf-3 (PubMed:14681186). Required to regulate entry into a developmentally arrested larval state known as dauer, in response to harsh environmental conditions (PubMed:14681186). Involved in larvae undergoing cell-cycle arrest during the dauer stage (PubMed:14681186). May interact with daf-3. Expressed in ganglia in the head and tail and in the anterior pharynx. Belongs to the SKI family.