Transcription factor required for sexual development and entry into stationary phase. Binds and activates CRE sites (cAMP-response elements, also known as M26 meiotic recombination hotspots). Heterodimer of pcr1/mts2 and atf1/mts1. Phosphorylated by sty1/spc1. Sensitive to methyl methanesulfonate (MMS, causes DNA breaks), hydroxyurea (HU, ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor), thiabendazole (TBZ), sirolimus (TORC1 inhibitor), and cold (PubMed:28775286). Simultaneous disruption of dph3 exacerbates sensitivity to HU and MMS (PubMed:28775286). Belongs to the bZIP family.