Dual regulator of transcription and autophagy. Positively regulates autophagy and is required for autophagosome formation and processing. May act as a scaffold protein that recruits MAP1LC3A, GABARAP and GABARAPL2 and brings them to the autophagosome membrane by interacting with VMP1 where, in cooperation with the BECN1-PI3-kinase class III complex, they trigger autophagosome development. Acts as a transcriptional activator of THRA. Interacts with VMP1, GABARAP, GABARAPL1, GABARAPL2, MAP1LC3A, MAP1LC3B, MAP1LC3C and THRA. Shuttles between the nucleus and the cytoplasm, depending on cellular stress conditions, and re-localizes to autophagosomes on autophagy activation. The LC3 interacting region (LIR) motif mediates interaction with GABARAP, GABARAPL1, GABARAPL2, MAP1LC3A, MAP1LC3B and MAP1LC3C.