DNA-binding protein which plays an essential role in nuclear envelope formation (PubMed:17170708). Required for normal chromosome segregation during mitosis (PubMed:12684533). Associates with the nuclear lamina via its interaction with LEM domain containing proteins emr-1 and lem-2 (PubMed:12684533). In association with lem-3, plays a role in radiation-induced DNA damage repair response (PubMed:22383942). Interacts with emr-1 and lem-2. Interacts with lem-4l, leading to decreased phosphorylation by VRK1 and promoting dephosphorylation by protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Phosphorylated by vrk-1. Phosphorylation by vrk-1 in mitosis is essential to achieve correct timing of recruitment of nuclear envelope components during nuclear envelope assembly. Dephosphorylated by protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) following interaction with lem-4l during mitotic exit, leading to mitotic nuclear envelope reassembly. Embryonically lethal. Embryos suffer loss of nuclear structure and of a continuous nuclear membrane. baf-1 is delocalized to the chromatin. At permissive temperature (15 degrees Celsius) about 30% of the embryos die, and the survivors appear normal. Belongs to the BAF family.